Determination of lead in urine by atomic-absorption spectroscopy with electrothermal atomisation

Abstract

A method is described for the determination of lead in urine by atomicabsorption spectroscopy with electrothermal atomisation. The determination is rapid and minimum pre-treatment of the sample is required. Matrix interference is minimised by the addition of orthophosphoric acid and also by pre-coating the graphite tubes with molybdenum. Consideration is given to possible losses of organically bound lead during the drying and ashing cycle and steps to prevent these are incorporated in the procedure. The range of the method is 5–200 µg l^–1 of lead.