Convenient method for the determination of trace amounts of germanium by hydride generation direct current plasma atomic emission spectrometry: interference reduction by L-cystine and L-cysteine

Abstract

A convenient and rapid method for the determination of trace amounts of germanium has been developed. This method has the advantage that it is less sensitive to instrumental parameters than previously described methods. Interferences from transition elements are reduced and interferences from other hydride-forming elements are negligible. The detection limit for the determination of germanium is 20 pg ml^–1(3σ). Germanium concentrations in metallurgical samples are easily determined and this method has been applied to the determination of germanium in copper and iron.