Direct determination of manganese, copper, lead, and mercury in biologicalsamples by Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry with high-frequency modulation of polarization

Manganese, copper, lead, and mercury are directly determined (without addit ional substances and reagents or with their minimum use) in blood, urine, a nd hair by Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry with high-frequency modula tion of polarization (ZAAS HFMP) and atomization in electrothermal and gas- discharge atomizers. The high selectivity of differential atomic absorption spectrometry allows the determination of the elemental content of biologic al samples under severe conditions, i.e., in the presence of substantial ba ckground absorption. The results obtained on different analytical instrumen ts (with electrothermal and gas-discharge atomizers) in the direct determin ation of elements in biological samples and upon the acid decomposition of samples are in good agreement.