Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Absorption Tube Technique

Abstract

In atomic absorption spectrometry with the long absorption tube using a hydrogen-air flame and ring burner, the various effects such as the external heating of the tube, rate of exhaust of the burnt gas, and preheating of the aspirating air on the sensitivity, detection limit, and memory effect for 24 elements were studied. The optimal flame conditions were appreciably affected by the rate of exhaust of burnt gas. Preheating of the aspirating air resulted in 3 to 10% enhancement in sensitivity for silver, zinc, and antimony. By external heating of the tube, more than 40% enhancement in sensitivity was obtained for manganese, copper, gallium, silver, antimony, and bismuth. The detection limits were also lowered considerably for gallium, tin, antimony, mercury, and bismuth.