Application of platform and palladium modification techniques with furnace atomization plasma emission spectrometry

Abstract

Figures of merit (limit of detection, sensitivity and precision) for eight elements (Ag, Cd, Pb, Mn, Sn, Tl, As and Se) were obtained using furnace atomization plasma emission spectrometry (FAPES) in combination with atomization of samples from a L'vov platform and the use of a Pd modifier (0.5 µg). A 50 W He plasma was utilized. Precision of replicate integrated signals averaged 2.8%(range 1.7–4.3%) for injection, by hand, of samples at concentrations 13–70-fold above the detection limit. Estimated limits of detection and sensitivities for integrated intensities improved 3–10- and 6–17-fold, respectively, for volatile elements (Cd, Pb and Ag) compared with sample atomization from the tube wall. Added NaCl, up to 24 µg, had no effect on the recovery of the integrated signal from Pb when a 100 W plasma was used.