Simultaneous multi-element analysis of total As, Se and Sb on titanium dioxide by slurry sampling-graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

A simple and rapid method for simultaneous determination of As, Se and Sb was studied by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Titanium dioxide adsorbing As, Se and Sb was separated from sample solution (100ml) with a membrane filtration (0.45mum), and then prepared to be slurry (5.0ml) by adding ultrapure water. The behavior and influence of titanium dioxide on determination of As, Se and Sb were investigated in this experiment. The optimal conditions of a furnace for these elements were chosen as follows: pyrolysis temperature was 150 degrees C, and atomization temperature was 2300 degrees C. The optimal conditions of adsorption for As, Se and Sb on titanium dioxide were listed: pH 2.0 in sample solution; 10min of stirring time; and 20.0mg titanium dioxide. The difference of the chemical valence of each element had no effect on the recovery of each element at the same optimal conditions. Limits of detection (3sigma) for As, Se and Sb were found to be 0.21mugl(-1), 0.15mugl(-1) and 0.15mugl(-1), respectively, with enrichment rate of 20, when 20mul of slurry was injected into a Zr-coating tube. The proposed method was applied to tap water and river water.