Semi-Automatic Hydride Generation and Atomic Absorption Determination of Bismuth with in situ Concentration in a Graphite Furnace

摘要

A semi-automatic method for the determination of dissolved bismuth at parts per trillion levels is described. The method involves bismuthine generation, in situ collection of bismuthine in a graphite furnace, and atomic absorption detection. In order to facilitate semi-automation of bismuthine generation and separation from aqueous solution, Gore-tex microporous PTEE membrane is used. The absolute detection limit, taken as three times the standard deviation of the instrument noise is 2 pg. The precisions are 3.1% for 100 pg and 1.9% for 1 ng of bismuth, respectively. As many as 90 measurements can be made in an hour.