APPLICATION OF LOOP ATOMIZER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL-SAMPLES BY FLAME ATOMIC-ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

Introduction of sample solutions into the flame atomic absorption spec troscopy (AAS) via electrically heated metal loops notably improves th e detection limits of the technique. However, because of the low melti ng point of platinum (1772 degrees C) application of the loop techniqu e is limited only to sufficiently volatile elements. In this work inte rference encountered with a Pt-loop atomizer is reviewed and chemical interference is found to be the most important factor limiting its app lications. Therefore, a separation/enrichment step in the analytical s cheme is needed not only for the enrichment of the analyte itself but also to ensure that the chemical form of the analyte in both standard and sample solutions is the same. Samples of soil extracts, fertilizer s, waste water of domestic origin and air samples have been chosen to demonstrate the environmental application of the loop technique.