Atomic absorption determination of cadmium, lead, and mercury in sea and river suspensions using an electrothermal atomizer with two vaporization zones

Abstract

It is shown that suspended forms of Cd, Pb, and Hg can be simultaneously determined in river and sea waters by direct atomic absorption spectrometry with two independent stages of the fractional evaporation of solid suspensions (at 1500°C) in the system crucible (vaporizer)-core (collector). An electrothermal atomizer core-cell-core with two vaporization zones and an independently heated common analytical zone is proposed for analyzing condensates. The approach ensures the determination of cadmium and lead at the level below the clarke values for suspended substances and mercury in the range of average-increased concentrations.