Direct atomic spectrometric analysis by slurry atomisation. Part 1. Optimisation of whole coal analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

The parameters that affect the slurry atomisation of whole coal in an inductively coupled plasma for atomic emission spectrometry have been investigated and optimum conditions for quantitative analysis using calibration by simple aqueous standards established. A high solids nebuliser and both argon and nitrogen cooled plasmas were used. Of the parameters, particle size, slurry concentration (up to 25%m/V) and sample pumping rate, the first was shown to have most effect on atomisation efficiency. The operating parameters of each plasma were optimised using the simplex technique and manganese determined in whole coal slurries with an average recovery of 95%.