A concise analytical scheme for 16 trace elements in geochemical exploration samples using exclusively AAS

Abstract

A concise analytical scheme for soil, stream sediment and rock-chip samples is described. Using a single test tube digestion with aqua regia, Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Te, T1 and Zn may be determined by AAS. A combination of flame AAS, hydride generation, cold vapor technique and organic solvent extraction with flame microsampling or graphite furnace AAS are applied. For the high throughput analyses required, the sample handling was streamlined and the treated solution volumes reduced to save reagents and cut costs. The procedures were tested on the GXR geochemical exploration reference samples.