Separation of trace amounts of silver by volatilization prior to its determination in copper tailings and a copper ore by atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

The volatilization of Ag from samples of complex composition by using various additives was investigated and the optimum conditions were established, viz., additive, Florisil–CaO (5 + 1–10 + 1 m/m); additive : sample mass ratio, 2; heating time, 2 h at 1200 °C; and air flow-rate, 0.17 l min^–1. The accuracy and precision of the method for the determination of Ag by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after separation by volatilization from copper tailings and a copper ore were found to be good.