Highly sensitive beryllium detection with microwave plasma source atomic emission spectrometry

A highly sensitive technique for beryllium determination using microwave in duced plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MIP-AES) is explored in this wor k based on a self-assembled instrumental system. The analytical performance of this system for beryllium determination was examined using argon as wor king gas and an ultrasonic nebulization-desolvation system for solution sam ple introduction. Experimental operating parameters, such as working gas ho w rate, microwave power, and observation height were optimized during the s ystem characterization. Influence of matrix elements on beryllium determina tion was studied. The matrix elements, such as Cu and Ni, were found to hav e little influence on Be(I) 265.06 nm spectral line even at a concentration of 50 mu g ml(-1), which is 1000 times higher than that of beryllium. Shor t-term stability of the MIP-AES system was evaluated and a relative standar d deviation of 1.8% is achieved. A calibration range of five orders of magn itude for beryllium determination could be obtained with its multiple spect ral lines. The detection limits of Be(II) 313.04/313.11, and Be(I) 234.86 n m were calculated based on 3 sigma using 1% HNO3 blank solution and shown t o be in parts per trillion level. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.