Comparison of hydride generation atomic absorption and electrothermal atomic absorption techniques for determination of lead in blood

In this study, hydride generation atomic absorption and Zeeman background corrected electrothermal atomic absorption techniques was compared for determination of lead in blood. Blood samples were digested by microwave acid digestion and then Pb(IV) formation was realized by using (NH4)(2)Cr2O7 in 0.72 mol/l HNO3. To increase the stability of Pb(IV) different chelating agents were added. Malic acid was a more suitable chelating agent than lactic, tartaric and salicylic acids. After PbH4 was formed, NaBH4 was swept with argon into the heated quartz tube for atomization. (NH4)(2)Cr2O7 + HNO3 + malic acid medium was chosen as the most suitable medium. After these conditions were fulfilled, Pb levels of the samples were measured first by hydride generation atomic absorption and then by Zeeman background corrected electrothermal atomic absorption techniques. Statistical factors of the Pb levels from 78 persons were evaluated and consequently it was decided that HGAAS could well be an alternative to the ETAAS method which is known as the most reliable.