Use of a slotted quartz tube to enhance the sensitivity of conventional flame atomic-absorption spectrometry

Abstract

Initial studies carried out on a commercially available slotted quartz tube used to increase the sensitivity of a flame atomic-absorption technique for the determination of trace metals are described. Basic performance data are presented and the various advantages of the slotted quartz tube are demonstrated by reference to the determination of cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in environmental and clinical samples.