Determination of antimony by using tungsten trap atomic absorption spectrometry

An electrically heated tungsten coil was used as a trap in the determination of antimony. The technique consists of three steps. Initially, SbH3 is formed by hydride generation procedure; then the analyte species in vapor form are transported to W-coil trap heated at 370 °C. Following the preconcentration step, the trap is heated to 895 °C; analyte species are revolatilized and transported to the flame-heated quartz atom cell where atomization and the formation of signal take place. The experimental parameters were optimized both for trap and no-trap studies. The most important experimental parameters are concentrations of HCl and NaBH4 solutions, H2 and Ar gas flow rates, and collection and revolatilization temperatures of W-coil. Accuracy was tested using a certified reference material, waste water EU-L-1. Limit of detection for the system is 16 ng l- 1 using a sample of 36 ml collected in 4.0 min. Enhancement factor in sensitivity was 17. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.BAP-08-11-DPT-2002 K120510 National Council for Scientific ResearchSupport from ÖYP (Faculty Development Program) from the Middle East Technical University and university research fund BAP-08-11-DPT-2002 K120510 regarding participations of S. Bakırdere and Y. Arslan is acknowledged. We are also grateful for the support from DOSAP (Postdoctoral Research Program) of the Middle East Technical University for participations of S. Titretir, E. Kendüzler and İ. Kula, and the research fund from TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey), namely BİDEB 2218 National Postdoctoral Research Fund regarding participation of E. Kendüzler

From mg/kg to pg/kg levels: A story of trace element determination: A review

Determination of the trace elements in a variety of environmental samples is of great importance. Most elements, including iron, calcium, and selenium, are crucial for the regulation of human mechanisms, and many others, like lead and cadmium, are toxic even at trace levels. Some elements, like selenium, have a narrow margin of safety. Hence, determination of elements at trace levels is crucial in any matrix related to humans. Trace element determination requires sufficiently sensitive procedures to monitor trace levels. This review aims to highlight not only the development in instrumentation for ultratrace element determination in variety of matrices but the application of developed techniques. Advantages and disadvantages of the techniques are also discussed. Copyright © Taylor &Francis Group, LLC

From mg/kg to pg/kg Levels: A Story of Trace Element Determination: A Review

Determination of the trace elements in a variety of environmental samples is of great importance. Most elements, including iron, calcium, and selenium, are crucial for the regulation of human mechanisms, and many others, like lead and cadmium, are toxic even at trace levels. Some elements, like selenium, have a narrow margin of safety. Hence, determination of elements at trace levels is crucial in any matrix related to humans. Trace element determination requires sufficiently sensitive procedures to monitor trace levels. This review aims to highlight not only the development in instrumentation for ultratrace element determination in variety of matrices but the application of developed techniques. Advantages and disadvantages of the techniques are also discussed