Rapid ultra-trace determination of beryllium by gas chromatography.

The electron capture detector has been used to measure ultra-trace quantities of beryllium separated as beryllium(II) trifluoroacetylacetonate by gas Chromatographic techniques. The lower limit of detectability is ca. 4 x 10(-13) g of beryllium. Calibration plots extend from 8 x 10(-13) to 4 x 10(-11) g of beryllium. Samples of beryllium in aqueous solution at four concentrations (1.18 x 10(-7), 1.18 x 10(-8), 2.95 x 10(-9), and 8.84 x 10(-10)g ml ) were analysed quantitatively by combining solvent extraction and gas chromatography. The distribution of beryllium during the extraction procedures was determined independently by use of radioactive beryllium-7, but the use of tracers is not required in the recommended procedure. Interference studies were made on cations and anions found in biological samples. At the concentrations used in the extraction procedure and the gas Chromatographic process, none of the fifteen ions studied interferes appreciably.