Graphite-furnace AAS with ultrasonic nebulization

A technique combining ultrasonic nebulization of solutions and graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry is described. The analytical possibilities of two different techniques are shown. In one the nebulized samples are continuously introduced into a graphite tube operated at constant temperature, and in the other deposited on the inner wall of the graphite tube and heated discontinuously. The method chosen influences the absorption values for several elements. The sensitivity for determination by continuous sampling lies between the values for the normal electrothermal AAS injection technique and flame AAS. Higher sensitivities are obtained with the deposition technique.