Determination of metals in atmospheric particulates by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with organic slurry sample introduction

Abstract

A rapid method for the determination of total Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in atmospheric particulates using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with organic slurry sample introduction is proposed. The influence of the organic content of the slurry on the pre-treatment and atomization behaviour of the analytes was investigated. A thermal stabilization of the analytes due to the filter matrix itself was established. No additional chemical modification was required. Comparative results with a standard dissolution procedure are presented.