Fast determination of elements in water, urine and serum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

An alternative technique for sample drying is presented for graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The sample is dispensed to contact a pre-heated graphite tube immediately. The majority of the sample volume evaporates on contact with the graphite tube, greatly reducing the cycle time of sample analysis. Graphite furnace programme times of less than 20 s are achieved and a complete sample analysis, including sampling time, is achieved in less than 60 s. Methods are presented for the determination of chromium, copper and nickel in water, chromium and cadmium in urine and copper in serum. Relative standard deviations of absorbances are less than 4%. The accuracy of the technique is established from the analysis of reference materials.