The determination of cadmium,copper, iron,lead and zinc in aerosols by atomic-absorption spectrometry

The determination of five elements in filter papers loaded with air particulate matter has been investigated. After a wet destruction of about 10 cm² of filter material by a standard procedure, analysis was carried out with a flame atomic absorption method for zinc and a flameless procedure for Cd, Cu, Fe and Pb. Furnace program parameters for each of the elements in different acid solutions are reported. The interferences of some common anions and the most abundant cations in aerosol material are described. For some urban and industrial samples, the results are compared with those obtained by energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence. Accuracy was checked against standard samples.