The Determination of Trace Elements in Natural Waters Using the Stabilized Temperature Platform Furnace

Abstract

We have developed procedures to determine 12 trace elements, Al, As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and V, in natural water using the stabilized temperature platform furnace. Suitable matrix modifiers were tested. Confirmation of the techniques was obtained by recovery experiments at four different concentration levels. Only simple aqueous standards were required and the method of additions was not used. A simple recovery experiment was satisfactory confirmation of freedom from chemical interferences. The detection limits in the natural waters were less than 1 μg/liter, closer to 0.1 μg/liter for most of the elements. The precision was 10 to 15%. The work did not require clean-room facilities.