The determination of beryllium by thermal-emission and atomic-fluorescence spectroscopy in a separated nitrous oxide-acetylene flame

Abstract

The determination of beryllium by thermal-emission and atomic-fluorescence spectroscopy in a separated nitrous oxide-acetylene flame has been investigated. The high temperature, reducing nature and low background of this type of flame permit the determination of down to 0·25 and 0·03 p.p.m. of beryllium in aqueous solution by measurement of thermal emission and atomic fluorescence, respectively. A beryllium microwave-excited, electrodeless discharge tube was used for excitation of the atomic fluorescence. The optimum conditions for both techniques have been investigated, and the effects of other cations and anions studied.