Determination of Pb in Biological Samples by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. An Exercise in Common Interferences and Fundamental Practices in Trace Element Determination

Abstract

This laboratory experiment demonstrates the use of graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS) for the determination of trace levels of Pb in bovine muscle or liver samples. The major emphasis of the experiment is to explore common interferences, first by investigating the impact of molecular spectral absorption interferences on a real-world sample, then demonstrating the susceptibility of GFAAS to chemical–physical matrix interferences. The combination of D2 arc background correction and calibration by standard additions is sufficient to reduce the magnitude of the interferences and obtain accurate Pb recoveries in these samples. This experiment also presents options for undergraduate chemistry majors to explore a number of other collateral issues related to the preparation of solid, biological samples for trace-level elemental determinations including sample decomposition, important figures of merit, and aspects of quality assurance in chemical measurements.

Development of an Analytical Method for the Determination of Lead Based on Local Surface Plasmon Resonance of Silver Nanoparticles

“…Other heavy metals like Pb, Cd, Hg and As considered as metals that have no essential biochemical and physiological roles and some of them have toxicity and harmful for human nature, therefore determination of these heavy metals in environment is necessary. 1 Several of high sensitivity methods such as graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, 2 electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV-ICP-MS), 3 solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-atomic emission detection (SPME-GC-AED), 4 square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) 5 have been developed for the determination of Pb 2+ . However, these methods need to time consuming, high price and complicated instruments, thus it is necessary to develop a new method for determination of Pb 2+ that fast, low price and there is no need to high price instruments for assay.…”

Quantitative Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Trace-Metal Determination: An Experiment for Analytical Chemistry

“…Microwave-assisted digestion has conventionally been used for sample decomposition prior to trace-metal determination by ETAAS, as described by Spudich et al (1). However, UAE has received increased attention over the past few years owing to its inherent safety, simplicity and reliability.…”