A method for bismuth determination by hydride generation coupled with atomic fluorescence spectrometry was developed. Bismuthane was generated by the reaction with NaBH4 in HCl in a flow injection arrangement of the generator.
An in-house assembled atomic fluorescence spectrometer was used for detection. A detailed optimization of atomization parameters in two flame atomizers - miniature diffusion flame and flame-in-gas-shield atomizer - was performed.
An excellent repeatability and extremely low limits of detection were achieved, namely 2.3 ng l-1 with the miniature diffusion flame atomizer and 1.6 ng l-1 with the flame-in-gas-shield atomizer.