This Application Note describes a method for direct determination of As, Cu and Pb in seawater by Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.
This document details a method for analyzing trace elements (Arsenic, Copper, and Lead) in seawater samples using Zeeman Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS). The high salt content of seawater presents challenges such as background interference, which the note addresses through specific sample preparation and chemical modification techniques.
An Agilent SpectrAA 400 Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer with a programmable sample dispenser.
A 1000 mg/L nickel nitrate in 5% nitric acid solution is the most efficient chemical modifier.
A 2% w/v ammonium nitrate solution is used, which requires preliminary extraction.
A 2% w/v ammonium oxalate solution is used as the matrix modifier.