I need to analysis seawater samples for trace metals (Hg, Cd, Pb etc). I wish to use AAS; Agilent 240 FS model (GTA and VGA), I read one method, they used 45 mL sea water samples+ 5 mL HNO3 and then run the microwave program (CEM microwave digestion). I need to know that is suitable method for trace metal analysis?
I suggest you read the famous Mr. Book J.Rodier chapter analyzes of sea water and you will find in detail the method you were looking for. Respectfully A Bendjama
Dear Sir (Amel); we dont have to facility to read that book, do you have soft copy?
Kindly have a look at Analysis and Estimation of Trace Metals in Seawater and Sediment in the South China Sea,Area IV: Vietnamese Waters; By Prof. Dr. Trinh Xuan Gian available on http://map.seafdec.org/downloads/pdf/collaborative%20research/AreaIV_Vietnam/SCS_FRS4_20.pdf
Hi,
AAS is not sensitive enough for trace metals. Try carbon furnace or better ICP-MS.
Dear Sir,
having done some research on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of trace metals in seawater (you may download publication with title "The “Sea Diamond” shipwreck: environmental impact assessment in the water column and sediments of the wreck area" from my profile) I would advise to use an ICP-MS for your analysis or a current AAS model that has a sophisticated graphite furnace. Unless your samples are expected to be extremely contaminated it is unlikely to find metal concentrations that are beyond ppb level. Besides, let us not forget that EPA limits for seawater are also in the ppb range, whereas natural levels of metals in clean seawater are in the ppt range. Detailed info and respective metal concentrations both of the permissible limits as well as of our experiments can be found in the aforementioned article of mine.
Kind regards!
Metal determination in see water is seawater shows difficulties if inject directly.
Some of metal chloride volatiles during the ashing stage or causes spectral interferences due to NaCl. Adding 5ml concentrated nitric acid may act as matrix modification effect in graphite furnace. But all the think that advise may not be whole picture. In order to be sure about your question buy a sea water reference material or participate a ring test . if you data in the rage of reported value, you can be satisfied.
VGA AAS is another measurement technique with different interferences.
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