In-furnace standard addition method for the determination of trace metals in biological samples by electrothermal vaporization-inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Electrothermal vaporization-inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry was applied to the determination of trace metals in some biological samples on in-furnace standard addition method. Powdered samples were decomposed using a sealed PTFE vessel and a microwave oven; the sample solution served for measurements without any additional treatment. The sample solution was injected into a graphite furnace and a standard solution containing ammonium dihydrogenphosphate, as a matrix modifier, was added; the two solutions were mixed in the furnace. The present method was applied to the determination of trace metals in some reference materials; the analytical results agreed well with the certified values.