Determination of perchlorate accumulation in flame atomic absorption systems by ion-pairing chromatography

Abstract

Perchlorate accumulation in flame atomic absorption systems has been studied using ion-pairing chromatography with indirect photometric detection. The results indicate that highly variable amounts of chloride are produced during the aspiration of perchlorate salts. Perchlorate accumulation was found to be related to the species aspirated and to the burner and spray chamber design. The effects of flame stoicheiometry, rinsing and preventative additives are discussed. The chromatographic technique and experimental design may assist in improving atomic absorption systems in order to provide optimised safety with respect to perchlorate-induced spray-chamber explosions.