Trace metal analysis-a comparison of atomic spectroscopic techniques

Abstract

This paper compares the performance characteristics of three routinely used methods for the determination of trace metal content in geochemical samples þ Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-ES), and Direct Current Plasma Emission Spectroscopy (DCP-ES). All three techniques have been shown to be capable of producing virtually any solution elemental analysis at acceptable levels of precision and accuracy. But `real world' sample analyses, as with geochemical determinations, requires that other questions be answered, before determining which technique is the method of choice. Such considerations as sample preparation requirements, interference correction capabilities, speed, convenience, and cost must be considered. Examples of such considerations will be presented with specific application to trace metal determination in geochemical samples.