Determination of lead in foodstuffs and biological samples by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry using an aqueous slurry technique

Abstract

A simple and rapid method is described for the determination of lead in foodstuffs and biological samples which combines a slurry procedure with lead hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS). The powdered samples are suspended in Triton X-100 and shaken with 10.0 g of blown zirconia spheres until a slurry is formed. The determination of lead in slurries was carried out by HGAAS in an ammonium persulphate-nitric acid medium. Several aspects were studied: the addition of an antifoaming agent; effect of varying the concentration of Triton X-100 on slurry stability and efficiency of lead hydride generation; and effect of slurry concentration. The method was used for the determination of lead in various food and biological samples. The results obtained showed good agreement between the slurry and wet-digestion procedures.