Graphite-Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Continuous Laser Sampling by Complete Vaporization of Solid Samples and Its Application to the Determination of Copper and Lead in Geological Samples

Abstract

A system of continuous laser vaporization coupled with graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and its characteristics for the direct analysis of solid samples are described. A detailed investigation indicated that the system was free from the influence of sample inhomogeneity when the solid samples were pulverized to under a size of 200 mesh. In addition, the continuous laser mode showed less matrix interference on the atomic absorption signals than
did the pulsed-laser mode. The procedures for sample preparation and direct analysis of a solid sample are presented. The system was applied to the determination of trace copper and lead in geological solid samples; the obtained results show good agreement with the certified values.