Determination of lead in leachate from incinerator ash using microwave plasm atomic emission spectroscopy

Abstract

The application of microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) for quantitative analysis of lead (Pb) in incineration ash has been discussed. Leaching solutions were prepared according to the method outlined by Environmental Agency Notification No. 13. The solutions were spiked with Pb. External calibration and automatic standard addition were utilized to determine the concentration of Pb via MP-AES. The quantitative results obtained from MP-AES were compared to the lead concentrations in the spiked leaching solutions. These concentrations were determined using quantitative results obtained from inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and the quantity of Pb added to the solutions. The external calibration method yielded satisfactory results at 368.347 nm, but interference effects were observed at 405.782 nm. However, the automatic standard addition method suppressed these interference effects, even at 405.782 nm. These findings confirm that using the standard addition method with automatic addition effectively mitigated interference, making MP-AES a reliable method for quantifying Pb in waste incineration ash.