On-line sorption and atomic absorption determination of metals in natural waters and solutions

A flow-sorption-atomic-absorption method for determining copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead in natural water and solutions of the products of the autoclave decomposition of soil, food, and biological samples was elaborated. The use of microcolumns with a DETATA sorbent gives a 20-100 times increase in the analytical signal per each minute of concentrating. With atomization in a propane-butane-air flame, the method permits the rapid determination of metals at a concentration level lower than the maximum permissible concentration. The method is of high Precision (RSD = 1-6%).24 refs., 4 figs