The determination of 21 elements was investigated in the presence of the palladium nitrate-magnesium nitrate (Pd-Mg) mixed modifier. Significantly higher pyrolysis temperatures could be used for the majority of elements compared with previously recommended modifiers, making possible an efficient removal of concomitants prior to the atomization of analyte elements. A 10 pg amount (1 g I-') of NaCl had no influence on the determination of all of the elements investigated and most of the analyte elements were not affected even by a ten times higher concentration. The concentration of potassium sulfate, which had no influence on the determination, was lower for most of the elements. The tolerance towards NaCl and K2S04 increased significantly for a number of elements when the pyrolysis temperature was lowered by 200-300 "C and the pyrolysis time was increased. For most of the elements investigated the characteristic mass values were comparable to, or better than published data. For some elements, however, such as bismuth, lead and tellurium, the characteristic mass was significantly higher. This resulted from the high stabilizing power of the Pd-Mg modifier, which necessitated higher atomization temperatures for these elements for which diffusional losses were more pronounced. The advantages and limitations of the Pd-Mg modifier are discussed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.