Determination of lead in whole blood by electrothermal atomisation atomic absorption spectrometry using tube and platform atomisers and dilution with Triton X-100

Abstract

The determination of lead in whole blood by electrothermal atomisation atomic absorption spectrometry using a Varian Model AA875 atomic absorption spectrometer coupled to a Varian Model GTA-95 graphite furnace is reported. An evaluation was undertaken to determine whether the use of (NH₄)₂HPO₄ was beneficial when using tube and platform atomisers. Optimisations of the furnace heating conditions and of the best absorbance mode and sensitivity in both systems were also undertaken. The analysis of a target standard showed that it was possible to determine lead in blood by simple dilution with Triton X-100 using platform atomisation and the peak-area calculation mode. Calibration was carried out by direct comparison with linear working graphs prepared from aqueous standards.