Determination of antimony, arsenic, bismuth and copper by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in the electrorefining of copper

Abstract

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emissionspectrometry (ICP-AES) has been applied as a rapid and routine method for the analysis of process electrolytes in the electrorefining of copper. Antimony, arsenic, bismuth and copper have been selected as major electrolyte constituents. For these elements profound statistical studies of spectral and interelement effects have been carried out. For As, Bi and Sb two analyte wavelengths have been selected, and for Cu one relatively insensitive analyte line has been chosen due to the high Cu concentration in samples. Best analytical lines were: As at 193.759 nm, Bi at 306.772 nm, Sb at 206.833 nm and Cu at 216.953 nm. Multiple linear regression proved to be very capable in the search of the best analytical wavelength and identifying interfering elements. Using simple acid based standards all elements investigated can be determined separately in complicated matrices with satisfactory results. Differences between true values and measured values can be partly eliminated by appropriate calculational methods.

Control of matrix interferences by the multiple linear regression model in the determination of arsenic, antimony and tin in lead pellets by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

“…One disadvantage is that matrix interferences can be expected in the ICP-AES determination of arsenic and antimony. 15,16 It proved possible to evaluate and correct the matrix interferences in the ICP-AES measurements by the multiple linear regression technique. 16,17 This technique is based on the analysis of the synthetic mixtures of the matrix elements and the calculation of a multiple regression line for each element analyzed.…”

“…15,16 It proved possible to evaluate and correct the matrix interferences in the ICP-AES measurements by the multiple linear regression technique. 16,17 This technique is based on the analysis of the synthetic mixtures of the matrix elements and the calculation of a multiple regression line for each element analyzed. 18 The information obtained from the regression line can then be tested by correcting the concentrations of matrix elements in the synthetic mixtures and/or in the SRMs.…”

“…The significance of the differences between the corrected and the added or certified concentrations can subsequently be tested by significance tests such as the paired t-test. 19 Methods of this kind have successfully been used in the analysis of the electrorefining of copper, 16 fertilizers 20,21 and geological samples. 22 The direct ICP-AES determination of arsenic, antimony and tin in the SRM C2416 (Bullet Lead) yields concentrations that are too low.…”