Fast sequential multi-element determination of major and minor elements in environmental samples and drinking waters by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

The fast sequential multi-element determination of 11 elements present at different concentration levels in environmental samples and drinking waters has been investigated using high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The main lines for Cu (324.754nm), Zn (213.857nm), Cd (228.802nm), Ni (232.003nm) and Pb (217.001nm), main and secondary absorption lines for Mn (279.482 and 279.827nm), Fe (248.327, 248.514 and 302.064nm) and Ca (422.673 and 239.856nm), secondary lines with different sensitivities for Na (589.592 and 330.237nm) and K (769.897 and 404.414nm) and a secondary line for Mg (202.582nm) have been chosen to perform the analysis. A flow injection system has been used for sample introduction so sample consumption has been reduced up to less than 1mL per element, measured in triplicate. Furthermore, the use of multiplets for Fe and the side pixel registration approach for Mg have been studied in order to reduce sensitivity and extend the linear working range. The figures of merit have been calculated and the proposed method was applied to determine these elements in a pine needles reference material (SRM 1575a), drinking and natural waters and soil extracts. Recoveries of analytes added at different concentration levels to water samples and extracts of soils were within 88–115% interval. In this way, the fast sequential multi-element determination of major and minor elements can be carried out, in triplicate, with successful results without requiring additional dilutions of samples or several different strategies for sample preparation using about 8–9mL of sample.