DETERMINATION OF TRACE-METALS IN ESTUARIN E WATERS BY ICP-AES AFTER GA-MG COPRECIPITATION

In this work we have investigated a multi-element analytical method fo r the determination of the levels of trace metals in estuarine waters by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). Gallium, in association with magnesium, coprecipitation was used for t race metal (Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, V and Zn) preconcentration. Several parame ters associated with the analytical procedure (pH, contact time, conce ntration of magnesium) and the instrumental operating parameters have been optimized in order to overcome possible effects of a preconcentra ted matrix. For the method validation, spiked samples from the Seine e stuary and two international estuarine and marine water reference samp les have been analysed. Manganese levels were determined using Electro thermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ET-AAS).