Feasibility study of the determination of iodide, tin, arsenic, selenium and hydrogen carbonate in groundwater by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry using a membrane gas-liquid separator

Abstract

The feasibility of the use of a silicone-rubber gas-liquid separator for the determination of iodide, As, Se, Sn and hydrogen carbonate in groundwaters has been investigated. Iodide is determined after oxidation to iodine, As, Se and Sn after reduction to their respective hydrides and hydrogen carbonate by displacement from solution as carbon dioxide. The gaseous species are separated from solution across the silicone-rubber membrane and are swept into the injector stream of an inductively coupled plasma for analysis. Low parts per billion detection limits are obtained in all instances. The advantages and limitations of this method, compared with existing techniques, are discussed with reference to each species as are developmental possibilities.