Simultaneous Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for Cadmium and Lead Determination in Wastewater. A Laboratory Exercise

Abstract

Atomic absorption spectrometry is revisited to present the most updated instrumentation, which allows multi-element determinations. Simultaneous atomic absorption spectrometry (SIMAAS) with electrothermal atomization is introduced to undergraduate students through a problem-based instructional laboratory. An environmental problem of water polluted with cadmium and lead in trace quantities is presented to the students, who were asked to analyze wastewater samples from potential contaminating industries. The proposed experiment is divided into two parts: the first part is devoted to optimization of instrumental parameters, and the second part is the application of the optimized conditions to execute the simultaneous determination of cadmium and lead. Each part can be carried out during a 3 or 4-hour laboratory class.

Promoting Systems Thinking Using Project- and Problem-Based Learning

“…Several common instrumental techniques have been presented to students in the context of their use in various applications such as the use of GC–MS for determining the amount of cocaine on US currency, and the use of Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman scattering for identifying art forgeries and art conservation. Advances in atomic spectroscopy were utilized to develop a PBL lab to detect and quantify lead and arsenic in the soil and for the simultaneous determination of cadmium and lead in contaminated water. Vera et al report the development of an instrumental analysis lab integrating recycling concepts.…”

Determination of Arsenic in Sinus Wash and Tap Water by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry

“…Educ. (AAS, − ICP-OES − ) and collectively demonstrate individual strengths and limitations. A third instrument used for elemental analysis, the Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometer (ICP–MS), has become an academic, industry, and government workhorse for the rapid and nearly simultaneous analysis of most elements in the periodic table at part per trillion (ppt) detection limits or lower. − The experiment described in this work teaches students several important aspects of actual use of this instrument in the laboratory.…”

Undergraduate Analytical Laboratory Experiment: Determination of Arsenic in Rice with Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and a Novel Digestion Method

“…Many primarily undergraduate institutions do not have access to an LCMS or an ICP-MS, which have been reported in the literature as the most efficient instruments in determining arsenic in rice. − Published experiments designed for undergraduate laboratory classes capably determine arsenic in apple juice, tap water, and sinus wash using the LCMS and ICP-MS. , This paper employs the more commonly available GFAAS (graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy), to investigate and quantify trace quantities of contamination in a basic food. Because GFAAS is selective, is easy to use, and avoids significant spectral interference, other published laboratory experiments applied the GFAAS to examine heavy metals in wastewater, fresh water, children’s toys and jewelry. − Another Journal laboratory experiment applied the GFAAS and dry ashing to cereal to determine calcium . Because hot plates are less expensive than a high temperature muffle furnace, this experiment employs wet acid decomposition to provide opportunities to laboratories with limited resources.…”