Determination of lead in blood by flame atomic-fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract

A simple, rapid method is described for the determination of lead in blood. Dilution 1 + 4 with Triton X is the only sample preparation required and measurements are carried out using a purpose-built atomic-fluorescence spectrometer with a nitrogen-separated air - acetylene flame. The preparation and operation of the lead electrodeless discharge lamps used as the excitation source have been optimised by a ten-factor Simplex procedure. A detection limit of 6 µg l^–1 has been achieved for lead in aqueous solution. No significant chemical interferences were observed from the major constituents of the blood matrix and a second continuum source is used to achieve automatic background correction for scattered radiation. Aqueous lead standards are used for calibration. Accuracy was established by satisfactory comparison with values reported for quality control blood samples.