SEDL / STP / STP760-EB / STP28839S

Comparison of Inductively Coupled Plasma and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopies for Determination of Twenty-five Elements in Fly Ash Leachate Solution

Drenski, TL
Chemist, Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio) Research, Cleveland, Ohio

Paxton, CA
Chemist, Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio) Research, Cleveland, Ohio

Varnes, AW
Chemist, Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio) Research, Cleveland, Ohio

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1981

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Abstract

Atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy is the approved method for determining metallic and semimetallic elements in aqueous specimens. When many elements are required on a specimen, however, it is a tedious technique, because only one or two elements can be determined at a time. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission speetroscopy, however, is capable of determining up to 50 elements in a single determination, printing out results in less than 2 min.

Data obtained in this study show that for compliance purposes, acceptable agreement is obtained between AA and ICP for 25 elements in fly ash leachate, a fairly complex matrix. Procedures are described for overcoming interference effects encountered in AA. An automated system for ICP is described briefly. Where significant differences were found between the techniques, possible causes and solutions are proposed.