Multi-element analysis of a city waste incineration ash reference sample by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

Sequential inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was used to determine 19 elements in a reference sample of city waste incineration ash. Two different decomposition methods were used: a high-pressure acid digestion and an alkaline fusion. Incineration ash is very difficult to dissolve, but complete dissolution of the sample was achieved by both methods. Satisfactory results were obtained with both decomposition methods for the elements with certified values. For the elements with indicative values, the results obtained by fusion were inferior to those obtained by pressure digestion. The rich line spectrum from some of the main elements prevented the determination of certain trace elements by direct ICP-AES.