River sediment analysis by slurry sampling FAAS: Determination of copper, zinc and lead

An experimental procedure for direct sediment analysis was developed. Using this procedure, copper, zinc and lead were determined and quantitative rec overies for these metals were accomplished at a low cost and with minimal s ample manipulation. The influence of the nitric acid concentration on the s lurry preparation, as well as the sediment particle size was investigated. Sediment slurries were treated with 6.0 mol L-1 nitric acid and 2% (m/v) am monium chloride, and sonicated for 15 minutes in an ultrasonic bath before quantification by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Using these conditi ons for a certified reference material, the percentage of recovery for copp er, zinc and lead were 96.4 +/- 4.9, 97.0 +/- 4.0 and 99.7 +/- 4.0, respect ively.