Atomic absorption spectrometry qualitative analysis

Qualitative analysis Atomic absorption spectrometry is not used routinely for qualitative analysis, since with most instruments it is only possible to test for one element at a time. 

Mercury vapour in air Diffusive samplers with qualitative onsite colorimetric analysis and quantitative cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry in the laboratory 59... 

Only arc/spark, plasma emission, plasma mass spectrometry and X-ray emission spectrometry are suitable techniques for qualitative analysis as in each case the relevant spectral ranges can be scanned and studied simply and quickly. Quantitative methods based on the emission of electromagnetic radiation rely on the direct proportionality between emitted intensity and the concentration of the analyte. The exact nature of the relation is complex and varies with the technique it will be discussed more fully in the appropriate sections. Quantitative measurements by atomic absorption spectrometry depend upon a relation which closely resembles the Beer-Lambert law relating to molecular absorption in solution (p. 357 etal.). 

Due to its principle and instrumental realisation, atomic absorption spectrometry is a technique for quantitative analysis and is practically unsuitable for qualitative analysis. Quantitative response is governed by the law of Lambert and Beer, i. e. the absorption A is proportional to the optical pathlength I, the absorption coefficient k at the observed wavelength, and the concentration c of the species. 

The basic instrumentation used for spectrometric measurements has already been described in the previous chapter (p. 277). Methods of excitation, monochromators and detectors used in atomic emission and absorption techniques are included in Table 8.1. Sources of radiation physically separated from the sample are required for atomic absorption, atomic fluorescence and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (cf. molecular absorption spectrometry), whereas in flame photometry, arc/spark and plasma emission techniques, the sample is excited directly by thermal means. Diffraction gratings or prism monochromators are used for dispersion in all the techniques including X-ray fluorescence where a single crystal of appropriate lattice dimensions acts as a grating. Atomic fluorescence spectra are sufficiently simple to allow the use of an interference filter in many instances. Photomultiplier detectors are used in every technique except X-ray fluorescence where proportional counting or scintillation devices are employed. Photographic recording of a complete spectrum facilitates qualitative analysis by optical emission spectrometry, but is now rarely used. 

Many alternative techniques, both qualitative and quantitative, have been investigated either for screening purposes or as primary methods. Such techniques include atomic absorption spectrophotometry, molecular luminescence, electron spin resonance spectrometry, X-ray analysis methods, and electro analytical methods. Flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) is the technique that has almost completely replaced NAA. 

Cd + can be detected by the insolubility of its yeUow sulfide (see Analytical Chemistry of the Transition Elements). Several reaction and spot tests allow the identification of Cd +. Quantitative determinations are based on gravimetric (CdS or /3-naphthylquinoltne complex) or titrimetric (EDTA) methods. Several physical techniques can be used in quantitative and qualitative analysis polarography (or related techniques, even in the presence of Zn, Cu, Bi and Pb), electrodeposition, colorimetric methods, flamephotometric methods, neutron activation, atomic absorption, and ICP spectrometry and ion selective electrodes. 

The determination of trace metal impurities in pharmaceuticals requires a more sensitive methodology. Flame atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy have been the major tools used for this purpose. Metal contaminants such as Pb, Sb, Bi, Ag, Ba, Ni, and Sr have been identified and quantitated by these methods (59,66-68). Specific analysis is necessary for the detection of the presence of palladium in semisynthetic penicillins, where it is used as a catalyst (57), and for silicon in streptomycin (69). Furnace atomic absorption may find a significant role in the determination of known impurities, due to higher sensitivity (Table 2). Atomic absorption is used to detect quantities of known toxic substances in the blood, such as lead (70-72). If the exact impurities are not known, qualitative as well as quantitative analysis is required, and a general multielemental method such as ICP spectrometry with a rapid-scanning monochromator may be utilized. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy may also be used in the analysis of biological fluids in order to detect contamination by environmental metals such as mercury (73), and to test serum and tissues for the presence of aluminum, lead, cadmium, nickel, and other trace metals (74-77). 

Atomic fluorescence flame spectrometry is receiving increased attention as a potential tool for the trace analysis of inorganic ions. Studies to date have indicated that limits of detection comparable or superior to those currently obtainable with atomic absorption or flame emission methods are frequently possible for elements whose emission lines are in the ultraviolet. The use of a continuum source, such as the high-pressure xenon arc, has been successful, although the limits of detection obtainable are not usually as low as those obtained with intense line sources. However, the xenon source can be used for the analysis of several elements either individually or by scanning a portion of the spectruin. Only chemical interferences are of concern they appear to be qualitatively similar for both atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence. With the current development of better sources and investigations into devices other than flames for sample introduction, further improvements in atomic fluorescence spectroscopy are to be expected. 

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