Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Mercury and Lead

Abstract

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) is a popular tool for the analysis of more than 70 elements. In conjunction with Hydride Generation, AAS becomes very powerful for the analysis of volatile hydride formers, such as As, Sn and other metals and metalloids. The hydride generation technique improves the detection limits and also helps in handling problems of spectral interferences. We have set-up a cheap and easy home-made hydride generation AAS set-up without the use of commercially available assemblies. We have then used that technique to do analysis for mercury and lead and have also analysed some water samples for the presence of these analytes.