Determination of aluminium in human blood and serum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using potassium dichromate matrix modification

Abstract

A method for the direct determination of aluminium in human blood and serum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using potassium dichromate as a matrix modifier has been developed, which eliminates the need to prepare matrix-matched standards or the use of a standard additions method, techniques which are frequently quoted in the literature. The sensitivity for the determination of aluminium was increased by a factor of two in the presence of potassium dichromate over that in the absence of a matrix modifier. The mechanism of this enhancement effect of matrix modification was studied by measuring the molecular absorption of AlO and Al₂C₂ which are observed in the initial stage of the atomisation process. The recommended method has been applied to the determination of aluminium in human blood and serum.