title: Electrothermal atomic-absorption spectrometric analysis of lake waters for Mn, Fe, Pb and Cd.
abstract: Analyses have been made for trace metals in surface waters from lakes known to be sensitive to inputs of acidic deposition. Electrothermal atomic-absorption spectrometry was used for direct measurement of the low metal concentrations. The studies revealed non-spectral interferences resulting from small amounts of inorganic material in the sample matrix that prevent accurate measurements of Mn and Pb. Several types of interferences were identified by means of a computer coupled to the atomic-absorption spectrometer and procedures to overcome them were evaluated. Matrix modification with nitric acid is required for the determination of Mn. Atomization from a platform inserted within the graphite tube is necessary for interference-free Pb determination.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Measurements Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, 376 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014, U.S.A.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Nagourney
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heit
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Bogen