Rapid analysis with transversely heated graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy

Abstract A new graphite furnace instrument using a transversely heated furnace tube with a longitudinal Zeeman correction system has been specifically designed to provide more nearly stabilized temperature platform furnace (STPF) conditions than previous furnace systems. Because there are no cold ends on this furnace tube on which to condense analyte and matrix materials, the vapor phase interferences are expected to be smaller. Also, the cooldown step can be avoided, thus saving time. This instrument permits the delivery of sample into a furnace already heated. The delivery rate of the autosampler can be slowed. These opportunities make it feasible for the sample to be dry on the platform by the time the delivery is complete. Several elements of environmental significance were chosen for test: As, Pb, Se, Tl, Cd, Cu, Cr and V. In almost all of these situations, the analyte was fully recovered without using a matrix modifier or a pyrolysis step. However, As and Pb in urine and As in sediment required a modifier and pyrolysis step for accurate results. A new fast furnace protocol was developed to accommodate use of a matrix modifier and this new protocol was successful for Pb and As in these matrices. All the procedures required less than 1 min total cycle times and produced results in agreement with certified values. This is in contrast with conventional methods which require 2–3 min per firing. These results confirm that graphite furnace methods can be accomplished with a throughput greater than 60 determinations per hour, and eventually, it may be possible to increase this rate beyond 100 determinations per hour.