Determination of Platinum at Trace Levels in Environmental and Biological Materials

Abstract

The treatment of exhaust gases from motor vehicles equipped with autocatalytic converters has resulted in the removal of about 90% of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from the exhaust. However, contamination of the environment occurs in the form of airborne particulate material (or dust) from the abrasion and deterioration of the catalysts. The dust contains precious metals, mainly platinum together with palladium and rhodium. It is deposited along the roadways, on soil and vegetation, and in bodies of water. Sensitive analytical methods are required for determinations of very low levels of platinum in environmental samples in order to ascertain the extent and the seriousness of this relatively new source of pollution. The difficulties in obtaining accurate results in analyses even for total platinum concentrations are formidable. This review is a summary of recent research on the determinations of platinum and other precious metals in dust, vegetation, soil, water, and biologic...