Determination of calcium, iron and manganese in moss by automated discrete sampling flame atomic absorption spectrometry as an alternative to the ICP–MS analysis

Abstract

An automated, fast and reliable procedure has been developed for flame atomic absorption analysis of Ca, Fe and Mn in moss. The method is suitable for routine analysis of a large number of moss samples and allows sequential determination of all three elements in the same solution. In order to inhibit the matrix interference on Ca and to level the diverse analytical behaviour of the moss matrix, approximately 1% La was added to both samples and standard solutions as well. An integrated system of ‘sandwich-type’ air segmented discrete sample introduction and flame atomic absorption detection (ASDI–FAAS) was successfully applied. It works at ‘solvent-air-sample-air-solvent’ mode, which tolerates the introduction of high salt content solutions, reduces reagent and sample consumption and allows the application of data treatment models to pseudo-steady state signals for bettering the repeatability. For moss samples containing high Ca and Fe concentrations, equivalent procedure was used by turned on 45° burner head without worsening the analytical characteristics. Concerning these three elements, the method is suggested as a cheaper, easier and more trustworthy alternative with a better precision to the inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) one. The ASDI–FAAS results were used for selection of appropriate isotopes and correction procedures for ICP–MS determination. Both methods show good agreement of the Ca, Fe and Mn results that correspond to the moss reference materials tested.