This application note describes the use of the SpectraAA-40 and the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry method for the determination of lead in foods.
The document details an analytical study measuring trace levels of lead in food products, specifically infant milk powder formula and digested fish tissue. It utilizes Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption (GFAA) spectroscopy to detect these elements at very low concentrations.
The text compares two sample introduction methods: wall atomization using partitioned pyrolytic coated graphite tubes and platform atomization using a pyrolytic platform. Results indicate that while infant milk powder can be measured directly in solution with minimal background interference, fish digests benefit significantly from the use of a pyrolytic platform to reduce excessive background absorption.
A SpectrAA 40 was used together with the Agilent GTA-96 graphite furnace atomizer and automatic sample dispenser.
A hollow cathode lead lamp was used at a wavelength of 283.3 nm.
Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate crystals were dissolved to give a 0.5% w/v solution and used as a chemical modifier.