The determination of lead, chromium, arsenic and selenium in sediments and soil samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using chemical modifiers

Abstract

The effectiveness of some chemical matrix modifiers for the determination of lead, chromium, selenium and arsenic in sediments and soils by Zeeman electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry have been evaluated. The addition of certain chemical modifiers decreases the volatility of the analyte element, preventing its loss during pyrolysis step while increasing the volatility of matrix components promoting a better separation also allows a higher pretreatment temperature for better separation between analyte and matrix. Pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, characteristic masses and detection limits of analytes in dissolved samples with and without modifiers have been compared. The method was validated by analysing certified reference lake sediment and soil materials.