Determination of trace gallium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry in urine

Objective To establish a method for determination trace gallium in urine by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Methods The ammonium dihydrogen phosphate was matrix modifier. The temperature effect about pyrolysis (Tpyr) and atomization temperature were optimized for determination of trace gallium. The method of technical standard about within-run, between-run and recoveries of standard were optimized. Results The method showed a linear relationship within the range of 0.20~80.00 μg/L (r=0.998). The within-run and between-run relative standard deviations (RSD) of repetitive measurement at 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 μg/L concentration levels were 2.1%~5.5% and 2.3%~3.0%. The detection limit was 0.06 μg/L. The recoveries of gallium were 98.2%~101.1%. Conclusion This method is simple, low detection limit, accurate, reliable and reproducible. It has been applied for determination of trace gallium in urine samples those who need occupation health examination or poisoning diagnosis. Key words: Graphite furnace atomic absorption (GFAAS); Urine; Gallium; Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate