Continuous flow dilution for flame atomic absorption spectrometry using a variable volume dilution chamber and peak area measurement

Abstract

A simple procedure, based on flow injection, to extend the dynamic range of flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) has been investigated. The continuous dilution system consists of a sample injector for sample volumes of 15–1000 µl and a variable volume (0.1–10 ml) dilution chamber. Peak area measurement of the transient signal allowed the use of a simple standard solution for calibration and quantification. The linear dynamic range of FAAS can be enhanced by 2–3 orders of magnitude; for copper a concentration range of from about 0.1 to 9 × 10³µg ml^–1 is achieved. The reproducibility of the measurements is 2–4%.