Interlaboratory comparison of trace metal analyses by graphite furnace (flameless) atomic absorption spectroscopy
The analytical sensitivity, precision, and accuracy of trace metal (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Mn) analyses on aqueous samples performed at ORNL using a flameless graphite furnace atomic absorption system were evaluated in comparison to analyses performed by three independent laboratories using similar systems. All laboratories analyzed replicates of the same five samples which included twice distilled water, two U.S. EPA reference trace metal standards and two natural water samples. Analyses performed at ORNL were generally superior with respect to sensitivity and precision to those performed elsewhere. Approximate limits of detection, as indicated by analyses of the distilled water performed at ORNL, were close to those claimed by the instrument manufacturer. No one laboratory reported values which were consistently more accurate than those reported by the others and from some laboratories replicate values for the reference standards varied considerably. The best overall combination of precision and accuracy on the reference sample with the lowest concentrations (0.2 to 2.8 ..mu..g/l) was exhibited by ORNL. In contrast, ORNL exhibited the poorest combination of precision and accuracy on the reference sample with the highest concentration (2 to 28 ..mu..g/l). Subsequent analyses of new reference standards by ORNL indicated accurate values for lead. Results reported for the natural water samples suggested that the flameless atomic absorption method is sufficiently sensitive to quantitatively detect concentrations of selected trace metals in natural water without preconcentration procedures.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn. (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- OSTI ID:
- 7345587
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-5422
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) Method Study 38, SW-846, Method 3010: acid digestion of aqueous samples and extracts for total metals for analysis by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Final report, September 1986-February 1988
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Related Subjects
400104* -- Spectral Procedures-- (-1987)
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
ACCURACY
CADMIUM
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHROMIUM
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COPPER
ELEMENTS
IRON
LEAD
MANGANESE
METALS
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SENSITIVITY
SPECTROSCOPY
TRACE AMOUNTS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS