ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETER (AAS)

A light source emitting a narrow spectral line of the characteristic energy is used to excite the free atoms formed in the flame. The decrease in energy (absorption) is then measured. The absorption is proportional to the concentration of free atoms in the flame, given by Lambert-Beer law.

Applications in various fields:

Atomic absorption spectrometry has many uses indifferent areas of chemistry.

Clinical analysis - Analyzing metals in biological fluids such as blood and urine.

Environmental analysis - Monitoring our environment – e.g finding out the levels of various elements in rivers, seawater, drinking water, air, petrol and drinks such as wine, beer and fruit drinks.

Pharmaceuticals- In some pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, minute quantities of a catalyst used in the process (usually a metal) are sometimes present in the final product. By using AAS the amount of catalyst present can be determined.

Industry- Many raw materials are examined and AAS is widely used to check that the major elements are present and that toxic impurities are lower than specified – e.g in concrete, where calcium is a major constituent, the lead level should be low because it is toxic.

Mining- By using AAS the amount of metals such as gold in rocks can be determined to see whether it is worth mining the rocks to extract the gold.

Accessories Available:Hydride Generator: HG 3000                                              

 Strengths:

• Easy to use
• Very fast   
• Lowest capital cost   
• Relatively few interferences  
• Very compact instrument
• Good performance
• Robust interface

Limitations:

• Moderate detection limits
• Element limitations
• 1-10 elements per determination
• No screening ability