Determination of aluminium in human blood and serum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using potassium dichromate matrix modification

Abstract

A method for the direct determination of aluminium in human blood and serum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using potassium dichromate as a matrix modifier has been developed, which eliminates the need to prepare matrix-matched standards or the use of a standard additions method, techniques which are frequently quoted in the literature. The sensitivity for the determination of aluminium was increased by a factor of two in the presence of potassium dichromate over that in the absence of a matrix modifier. The mechanism of this enhancement effect of matrix modification was studied by measuring the molecular absorption of AlO and Al2C2 which are observed in the initial stage of the atomisation process. The recommended method has been applied to the determination of aluminium in human blood and serum.