Analytical Chemistry

Table 8.6 Some detection limits for atomic absorption, fluorescence and flame emission methods

Element Spectral line/nm Flame Method Detection limit/ppm

Ag (^328) C 2 H 2 – air Abs 0.01
As (^194) H 2 – N 2 (diff.) Flu 0.25
Al (^396) C 2 H 2 – N 2 O Em 0.01
Ba (^553) C 2 H 2 – N 2 O Em 0.001
Ca (^423) C 2 H 2 – N 2 O Em 0.001
Cd (^229) C 2 H 2 – air Abs 0.002
Cd (^229) H 2 – air Flu 0.001
Cr (^359) C 2 H 2 – air Abs 0.01
Cu (^325) C 2 H 2 – air Abs 0.01
Fe (^248) C 2 H 2 – air Abs 0.01
K (^766) C 2 H 2 – O 2 Em 0.001
Li (^671) C 2 H 2 – N 2 O Em 0.0001
Mg (^285) C 2 H 2 – air Abs 0.001
Mn (^279) C 2 H 2 – air Abs 0.01
Na (^589) H 2 – O 2 Em 0.001
Pb (^283) C 2 H 2 – air Abs 0.1
Se (^196) propane–air Flu 0.15
Sr (^461) C
2 H 2 – N 2 O Em 0.001
Te (^214) propane–air Flu 0.05
Zn (^214) C 2 H 2 – air Abs 0.01
Zn (^214) H 2 – O 2 Flu 0.0001

8.6—

Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Summary

Principles

Absorption of electromagnetic radiation in the visible and ultraviolet regions of the spectrum by atoms