Direct solid sample analysis of sediments, soils, rocks and advanced ceramics by ETV-ICP-AES and GF-AAS

Abstract

Methods for the direct solid sample trace element determination in complex composed inorganic powder samples, e.g. sediments, soils, rocks, minerals and similar technical materials, are systematically investigated by SS-ETV-ICP-AES and SS-GF-AAS. High-grade homogeneity of the sample powder even at milligram and sub-milligram levels is required due to small sample weights. All the investigations are carried out with CRMs and RMs. SS-ETV-ICP-AES, which has been improved by high temperature vapor halogenation, is used for the determination of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the trace element range < 10 to > 500 μg/g. No significant influence of matrix components is observed using this method. SS-GF-AAS is used for the determination of Cd, Pb, and Zn in the 0.006 to 150 μg/g range. Precision and accuracy of SS-GF-AAS are improved by application of 3D-calibration plots in comparison to conventional 2D-calibration. In this way, the two methods SS-ETV-ICP-AES and SS-GF-AAS complement one another concerning their analytical performance.