Table 8.4 Atomic spectroscopy detection limits (micrograms/litre) (from Perkin Elmer, Guide to Techniques and
Applications of Atomic Spectroscopy, 1988)
Element Flame AA Hg/ Hydride GFAA ICP Emission ICP-MS
Ag 0.9 0.005 1 0.04
Al 30 0.04 4 0.1
As 100 0.02 0.2 20 0.05
Au 6 0.1 4 0.1
B 700 20 2 0.1
Ba 8 0.1 0.1 0.02
Be 1 0.01 0.06 0.1
Bi 20 0.02 0.1 20 0.04
Br 1
C 50 50
Ca 1 0.05 0.08 5
Cd 0.5 0.003 1 0.02
Ce 10 0.01
Cl 10
Co 6 0.01 2 0.02
Cr 2 0.01 2 0.02
Cs 8 0.05 0.02
Cu 1 0.02 0.9 0.03
Dy 50 0.04
Er 40 0.02
Eu 20 0.02
F 100
Fe 3 0.02 1 1
Ga 50 0.1 10 0.08
Gd 1200 0.04
Ge 200 0.2 10 0.08
Hf 200 0.03
Hg 200 0.008 1 20 0.03
Ho 40 0.01
I 0.02