Journal Published Online: 01 March 1984
Volume 12, Issue 2

Determination of Arsenic in Geologic, Biologic, and Water Samples by Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emisson Spectrometry Following Distillation

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

A distillation method was used to separate arsenic trichloride from interfering substances in the presence of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, and hydrazine sulfate. Arsenic in distillate was determined by flameless graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Liberation of arsenic trichloride by distillation was not inhibited by NO3, Ni+2, or other substances encountered in geological, biological, and water samples. Free nitric acid must be neutralized with potassium carbonate or removed by evaporation in the presence of sulfuric acid at 160°C (320°F) before arsenic trichloride distillation. Geochemical reference samples, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water standards, geological samples, and water samples were analyzed. Results of distilled arsenic trichloride in all reference samples agreed with the reported values. Without distillation, agreement with reported values was obtained only in water samples containing low matrix substances.

Author Information

Ho, CL
Bureau of Economic Geology, Mineral Studies Laboratory, The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Tweedy, S
Bureau of Economic Geology, Mineral Studies Laboratory, The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Mahan, C
Bureau of Economic Geology, Mineral Studies Laboratory, The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JTE10705J
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE10705J