Determination of Lead in Heavy Oil by Flow Injection‐Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Abstract

A simple on‐line flow injection analysis pre‐concentration technique has been developed. The flow injection system consisted of a 4‐channel peristaltic pump, two 6‐way rotary injection valves containing a microcolumn of Chelex‐100 resin, and a flame atomic absorption spectrometer, allowing the determination of lead at a concentration as low as ppb. The degree of pre‐concentration depended on the injected sample volume. Lead contained in NBS 1634b and other heavy oil samples was determined using the system. Samples were ashed directly in a furnace at 550°C for two hours, dissolved with perchloric acid and then injected into the system. The sampling frequency also depended on the injected sample volume.