Use of a coil atomizer in metastable transfer emission spectroscopy

Metastable transfer emission spectroscopy associated with a compact tungste n coil atomizer was carried out for cadmium detection. A pulse atomization induced by a capacitor discharge to a coil-producing condensed vapor which was transported and mixed with active nitrogen generated by microwave disch arge. High sensitivity of emission for the short time duration of approxima tely 60 ms was observed in this system. Elemental cadmium in 5 mu l nitric acid solution was deposited on a coil with a detection limit of less than 5 pg at 326.1 nm. The linearity of the calibration curve for cadmium extende d from 5 to 200 pg, beyond which the intensity of the emission signal was s aturated. The system was insensitive to interference by coexisting elements ; the emission of cadmium was unaffected up to a factor of more than 10, pa rticularly 200 for lead. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .