Abstract
A method for determining cadmium in plant material by direct aspiration of a solution of the ashed sample in an alcohol-water solvent mixture was investigated. The method was applied to samples containing 0.35 to 3.10 µg of Cd per g. Operating conditions for using an acetylene-air flame were established and flame interference effects minimized; no significant interference was noted from other elements present in plants. Wet and dry ashing procedures provided comparable results. The recovery of added cadmium ranged from 87 to 104%, most values being near 100%. Comparing the AOAC and atomic absorption methods indicated that the atomic absorption method is as reliable and accurate as the official AOAC colorimetric method. Furthermore, it is simpler and faster. A preliminary investigation of the feasibility of using an electrically heated tantalum boat for this type of analysis indicated significant interference by other substances in the sample. Further study of the heated vaporization technique is needed.
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