Assessment of Possibility of Determination Elemental Composition of Wastewater Using Small-Size Atomic-Absorption Spectrometer With Continuous Spectrum Source

Abstract

The article is devoted to the evaluation of analytical capabilities of a small-size atomic absorption spectrometer, which differs from traditional atomic absorption devices in that it allows to register the whole absorption spectrum of the sample in one cycle of electrothermal atomization, thus significantly increasing the efficiency of the analysis. The evaluation of the analytical capabilities of the developed prototype was based on the example of wastewater analysis, because this type of analysis has the least stringent requirements for detection limits and the number of elements to be determined, but is also a very important task. Based on the results obtained, it has been concluded that a small-size atomic absorption spectrometer is capable of detecting 9 out of 32 elements normalized in wastewater with detection limits substantially below the MPC. Determination of another 3 elements will be possible after increasing the resolution of the spectrometer to 22-24 pm.