Atomic absorption spectrometry – A multi element technique

In the past, many types of researches have been performed to allow multi-element determinations using atomic absorption spectrometry. The first spectrometers developed for this purpose were proposed in the 1970s, using flame and furnace atomizers. In the early 2000s, a spectrometer equipped with software that allows a fast selection of the hollow cathode lamps was introduced commercially. This equipment operates in a sequential mode, and it enables the determination of up to 16 elements. Many publications have reported its performance. Over the years, many spectrometers were built adding new technologies, but they were discontinued due to low sensitivity, difficulty for background corrections, etc. However, all the efforts of the past have contributed to the development and consolidation of the high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS AAS) using flame and furnace atomizers. This technique allows the establishment of sequential and simultaneous methods for determinations of many elements with high sensitivity and efficient background correction.