Determination of lead and cadmium in samples of poly(vinyl chloride) by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using organic solvents

Abstract

Organic solutions from the treatment of poly(vinyl chloride)(PVC), diluted with acetone, were atomised electrothermally. This eliminates the problems involved in sample aspiration and, owing to the high sensitivity of the technique, enables very small amounts of metals to be determined in PVC. The method was used to determine lead and cadmium in PVC, because of their toxicological importance, and a study was performed on the interferences that may arise from the reagents used to attack the PVC, from the PVC resin itself and from the presence of other metals in the sample.