Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) - A versatile and selective detector for trace element speciation

AAS as a highly sensitive and specific single element technique is ideally suited as a detector for speciation analysis. The combinations of chromatographic separation with element specific detectors (flame AAS, electrothermal AAS (ETAAS), hydride generation AAS (HGAAS)) provide powerful approaches to the determination of all species. Sample stabilisation is the area that requires most attention as it still represents the main source of problems encountered in speciation work. The correct speciation depends on how the sample is handled prior to analysis. Unfortunately, no universal procedure has been found. Anything that changes redox conditions, pH or complexation equilibrium is clearly unacceptable.