The determination of cadmium in geological materials by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

The use of graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for the determination of cadmium in rocks and sediments by direct atomization from the solid state is described. At the 10–1000 p.p.b. level, the relative standard deviation is ± 10–20 %. Samples were ground to 100 mesh and, if necessary, 325 mesh before analysis. Two resonance lines were employed: 228.8 nm for less than 5 p.p.m. cadmium and 326.1 nm for levels above 5 p.p.m. Instrumental parameters were optimized to produce maximum peak heights. Results are given for a series of standard rocks and for stream sediment samples.