Determination of iron, cobalt, copper, and zinc in the suspended phase, slime, and sludge from natural and wastewaters by the atomic absorption method

Abstract

A comparison of the recommendations in foreign national standards and domestic experience shows that atomic absorption methods in flame (iron, zinc) and flameless atomization (cobalt, copper) are most acceptable for monitoring the concentration of iron, cobalt, copper, and zinc in natural and wastewaters, including the suspended phase, slime, and sludge. The basic stages of environmental methods of measurement (sample collection, sample preparation, and method of analysis) are discussed in consideration of foreign and domestic experience. The basic analytical parameters of the atomic absorption method metrologically investigated at the Khimvolokno Scientific and Industrial Association (SIA) and approved in the established order are reported. The suspended phase and filtrate (after separation of the suspended phase by filtration) from wastewaters from several viscose plants was analyzed. It was found that the concentration of iron, cobalt, and copper in the suspended phase was comparable to their concentration in the filtrate as soluble forms. The concentration of zinc in the suspended phase was insignificant.