Determination of trace elements in suspended particulate matter by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with electrothermal vaporization

Abstract

A rapid, direct determination of trace elements in suspended particulate matter collected on glass fiber filter is performed by means of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with electrothermal vaporization. A sample placed in a microboat was dissolved with 2% hydrofluoric acid, and the evaporated residue subsequently was vaporized into the plasma for atomization and excitation in atomic emission spectrometry. The hydrofluoric acid treatment prevented glass formation, which limited attainable sensitivity when the sample was heated directly. Improvement in vaporization characteristics of analytes in the microboat allowed the determination of Cr, Mn, and Pb to proceed with high sensitivity. The relative standard deviations were usually below 13%, which is acceptable for large-scale air pollution survey work. 29 references, 5 figures, 2 tables.