Determination of urinary lead levels in normal population by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry using palladium chloride as the matrix modifier

A direct method with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry f or determining low lead (Pb) levels in urine was described. The present met hod was based on wet-ashing digestion, 2-fold concentrated urine, and matri x modification with palladium chloride (PdCl2). The sensitivity (concentrat ion at 0.0044 absorption units) of the proposed method is 0.18 ppb. Results were presented on the degree of accuracy and precision. Accuracy of the pr oposed method was checked by comparison with the values determined by the e xtracted method (conventional method). Precision of the proposed method was evaluated by within-run and between-run precision. Both of them were found to be satisfactory. Due to the high sensitivity, the proposed method could be applied to determine urinary Pb concentration in normal populations wit h no known Pb exposure. Moreover, the method is simple, fast, and automatic .