Inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometry theory

Flame atomic absorption was until recently the most widely used techniques for trace metal analysis, reflecting its ease of use and relative freedom from interferences. Although now superceded in many laboratories by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, flame atomic absorption spectrometry still is a very valid option for many applications. The sample, usually in solution, is sprayed into the flame following the generation of an aerosol by means of a nebulizer. The theory of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and details of the basic instrumentation required are described in a previous article. This article briefly reviews the nature of the flames employed in AAS, the specific requirements of the instrumentation for use with flame AAS, and the atomization processes that take place within the flame. An overview is given of possible interferences and various modifications that may provide some practical advantage over conventional flame cells. Finally, a number of application notes for common matrices are given. 

Haswell SJ (ed) (1991) Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Theory, Design and Applications. Amsterdam Elsevier. Thompson M and Walsh JN (1989) Handbook of Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry, 2nd edn. Glasgow Blackie. 

See also Atomic Absorption, Methods and Instrumentation Atomic Absorption, Theory Atomic Emission, Methods and Instrumentation Biomedical Applications of Atomic Spectroscopy Forensic Science, Applications of Atomic Spectroscopy Hyphenated Techniques, Applications of in Mass Spectrometry Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Methods Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Mass Spectrometry. 

See also Atomic Absorption, Theory Atomic Emission, Methods and Instrumentation Atomic Fluorescence, Methods and Instrumentation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Methods. 

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