Determination of As(III) using UV-photo-chemical generation of its volatile compounds and QF-AAS in flow injection mode employing Sb(III) as reaction modifier
Abstract
The work describes the development, optimization and characterisation of an analytical method for determination of As(III) in model aqueous solutions employing its UV-photochemical volatile compounds generation and atomic absorption spectrometry utilizing an externally heated quartz furnace as an atomizer in flow injection arrangement. Formic acid of 2.75 mol L-1 acted as the photochemical agent during the UV-assisted conversion of As(III) from the solution to the gaseous phase.
Moreover, the study investigated the influence of selected compounds on the signal measured with the aim to improve sensitivity of As(III) determination. Sb(III) was found as the most suitable reaction modifier.
The concentration of 3 mg L-1 Sb(III) increases the absorbance of arsenic approximately sixty times compared to signals attained without any modification.