DETERMINATION OF ULTRATRACE METALS IN BIOLOGICAL STANDARDS BY INDUCTIVELY-COUPLED PLASMA-ATOMIC EMISSION-SPECTROMETRY WITH ULTRASONIC NEBULIZATION

Ultratrace cadmium, cobalt, copper, nickel and lead in biological stan dard samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emis sion spectrometry with ultrasonic nebulisation without removal of any matrix. The operating conditions of the ultrasonic system were examine d in detail, together with the performance of the system. An internal standard method was essential to obtain accurate analytical results. T he transport efficiencies of analyte (manganese) and solution to a pla sma with the ultrasonic system were measured, and compared to those wi th a cross-flow nebuliser.