Determination of trace elements in aquatic plants by means of solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-ZAAS)

Direct solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometric methods were developed and successfully applied to the determination of mercury, cadmium, lead and manganese in aquatic plants. Mercury was determined using a specially designed furnace. The other elements were determined by a third generation spectrometer. In 3-field- and dynamic mode the working range was substantially extended and high amounts of analyte were detectable without laborious dilution of solid samples. The measurements were based on calibrations using certified reference materials of organic origin. No matrix effects were observed under the optimised conditions. Results obtained were in good agreement with the certified values.