Investigation of cadmium and lead contents of boron minerals and boron waste by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer

Abstract

In this study, Cd and Pb were determined and investigated in the most abundant boron minerals such as colemanite, tincal, ulexite and boron waste existed in Turkey using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer. Graphite furnace temperature program for Cd and Pb determinations in samples was optimized in the absence or presence of palladium (Pd) and nickel (Ni) + Pd matrix modifier mixture. Pd + Ni modifier mixture was found to be more suitable for both Cd and Pb. The ashing temperatures for Cd and Pb obtained 600 °C and 1100 °C, respectively, in the presence of Ni + Pd mixture. Limits of detection and limits of quantification values for Cd and Pb in the absence or presence of Ni + Pd modifier mixture were determined. Accuracy and precision of the method proposed were checked by analyzing the standard reference materials (Montana Soil 2711 and Estuarine 1646a). Cd and Pb in boron minerals were performed under optimized experimental conditions.