Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Interactions among Trace and Major Elements in Environmental Samples: Determination of Cadmium in the Selective and Total Dissolution of Marine Sediments

Abstract

Electrothermal Atomization Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ETA-AAS) is one of the most popular and widely used techniques for trace element determination. Nevertheless, the chemical reactions occurring in the graphite furnace are still the subject of theoretical and experimental investigations. As a consequence, this technique cannot yet be considered to have attained a state of maturity, mainly because of the frequent occurrence of spectral and nonspectral interference effects. The degree of interference varies with the atomization system used. Slavin and co-workers have described a system called the Stabilized Temperature Platform Furnace or STPF. While many workers use parts of the system, troubles remain when the system is fragmented. The various parts of the system are interactive and some of the interactions are still inadequately understood. As will be described below, instrumental settings are not sufficient to overcome interferences.