Direct analysis of coal by electrothermal atomization atomic-absorption spectrometry

A novel approach for trace element determination in coal samples is described, based on grinding the sample to less than 200 mesh, "pipetting" the material into a tube-cup furnace, and measurement by electrothermal atomization atomic-absorption spectrometry. Either solid standard reference materials or aliquots of solutions of Pb, Zn and Mn can be used to prepare analytical calibration curves. The SRMs are diluted with spectroscopic grade graphite prior to introduction into the tube-cup furnace. After the atomization and cleaning step, any remaining ash is removed with a Pasteur pipette. The measured values for Pb, Zn and Mn agree well with the certified SRM values. The method is rapid, and sufficiently precise (5-14%) and accurate (within 5-12% of standard reference values).