Lead

Method of Analysis: Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Procedure:

Preliminary treatment of
aqueous and solid waste.

Solid, slurries, and suspended

material must be subjected to
a solubilization process before
analysis.

Samples which are to be analyzed

for dissolve constituents need to
digested if they have been filtered
and then acidified

Must be performed using a

suitable form of background
correction.

Follow the manufacturer’s

operating instructions for a
particular instrument. (Since
there are various models)

In general, after choosing the proper lamp for

analysis (lead lamp), allow the lamp to warm
up for 15 mins.
During this period, align the instrument, position
the monochromator at the correct wavelength,
select the proper monochromator slit width, and
adjust the current according to the
manufacturer’s recommendation.

Light the flame and regulate the flow of fuel and

oxidant. Adjust the burner and nebulizer flow
rate for maximum present absorption and
stability. Balance the photometer.

Run a series of standards of the element under

analysis (lead standards). Construct a calibration
curve, plotting concentration of standard against
absorbances.

Aspirate the samples and determine the

concentrations either directly or from the
calibration curve.

Record the data.