Dc arc spectrometry of solids: some new aspects of an old method

The critical evaluation of old-fashioned de are excitation under modern con ditions and in connection with a multichannel spectrometer is reported. As typical solid samples in all evaluation steps, various kinds of SiC powders were used; as analyte elements, the most important impurities (Al, Fe, Ni, Ti and V)were chosen. The broad use of the method is also demonstrated in the ecologically relevant analysis of sediments, where the main toxic and e ssential elements (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were analysed. Contrary to our earlier investigations, in this case, neither a special working atmosphere nor the dilution of samples with spectrochemical additives was applied. Th e main figures of merit of the method were determined (precision of the met hod, calibration characteristics, limit of determination, etc.). Their valu es confirmed the applicability of the modernized dc-arc-OES method as a rap id alternative to existing solid sampling (SS)-OES and SS-AAS methods.