Preconcentration of trace elements from pure manganese and manganese compounds with activated carbon as collector

A method is described for separation of traces of Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, In, Ni. Pb, Tl, and Zn from pure manganese and manganese compounds and their determination by flame a.a.s. After the metal or manganese dioxide samples have been dissolved in acid (and manganese salts in water) the trace elements are compleed with potassium xanthogenate. The solution is then filtered through a small filter paper covered with activated carbon, whereby complex compounds are separated from the matrix. When the charcoal is treated with acid, a trace concentrate is obtained which is nearly free of manganese. The detection limits for the analysis of 10-g samples of manganese metal are <0.5 p.p.m., and for 30-g samples of MnCl₂-4H₂O are ? 0.1 p.p.m. The relative standard deviation, in general,is lower than 5%.