Trace Analysis By Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Relies On Type I Ultrapure Water

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is a technique that is widely used for trace metal determination in a variety of different fields. High purity water is an essential requirement for AAS, ensuring the elimination of any components which could potentially interfere with the determination of the elements under investigation.

Atomic absorption, a well established and widely used technique in the field of elemental analysis, uses the absorption of light by atoms in the gaseous phase. Samples, usually aqueous solutions, are desolvated, vaporised and atomised by either a flame (flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, FAAS) or a graphite furnace (graphite/carbon furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, GFAAS/CFAAS). Certain elements, such as mercury or those forming volatile hydrides, can be separated in the gas phase before atomisation. AAS is commonly used for environmental1 and clinical analysis, and in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

To avoid inaccurate results, all reagents and solvents used for AAS must be free of the element being measured and any elements or compounds which could potentially interfere with the assay, making the use of high purity water essential for the preparation of samples, blanks and standards.