Determination of arsenic in solid samples by cold acid solubilisation-hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

A method is described for the determination of arsenic directly from solid environmental samples by a rapid cold acid dissolution-hydride generation method incorporating atomic absorption detection. Details are given for the optimum experimental and instrumental conditions required for both solid and solution analysis. The influence of interfering elements in the sample matrix has been examined. Recoveries for the rapid dissolution method compare favourably with traditional hot acid extraction with aqua regia which commonly requires lengthy handling procedures. The method developed shows promise as a rapid screening procedure for a range of environmental sample types, being able to achieve acceptable accuracy together with precisions of the order of 7% RSD.