Flameless Atomic Absorption for Tracing the Fate of Heavy Metals in Soils and Groundwater

摘要

A Varian AA-5 atomic absorption unit for measuring trace metals in soils and aqueous solutions was modified to improve the accuracy of the results and to reduce interference from matrix substances. A Woodriff Constant Temperature Furnace (WCTF) was added to simplify and speed analysis and to permit direct introduction of soil samples without tedious chemical pretreatment. The attempted modifications led to a complete redesign of an atomic absorption unit for performing the analysis of metals in soils. The new instrument is dependable and versatile. Liquid or soil samples may be analyzed with no chemical pretreatment. Calibration curves for cadmium and zinc were established; techniques for sampling and performing direct analysis were developed.