Direct atomic spectrometric analysis by slurry atomisation. Part 10. Use of an air-ashing stage in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The use of an air-ashing stage in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry for slurry atomisation is described. Air-ashing was shown to reduce significantly interferences from non-specific absorption and allow a wider range of ashing temperatures without sample loss. A significant decrease in the interference of magnesium chloride on lead determinations was also observed. Chromium, cobalt, lead and manganese were successfully determined in slurries of five biological certified reference materials (tomato leaves, human hair, mussel, Chlorella and sewage sludge) and good agreement was obtained with certified values.