FAST PROGRAMS IN ELECTROTHERMAL ATOMIC-ABSORPTION SPECTROMETRY - VALIDATION OF TRACE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS IN PLANTS

Validity of fast programs in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry has been tested for the determination of trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mo, Pb) in plant matrices. The analytical throughput is considerably increased with these programs where the ashing step and use of a modifier are avoided. Results based on the peak-area measurement mode are satisfactory for all elements studied. No significant differences were observed for the values obtained for plant reference materials using three different spectrometric systems (Perkin-Elmer 4100ZL, ATI-Unicam 939QZ, Varian SpectrAA 400Z). The fast program approach can thus be recommended for the routine trace element analysis of plant matrices. Performances and limitations of the method are also reported