1. Applications
Electrothermal atomic absorption permits determination of most metallic elements with sensitivities and detection levels from 20 to 1000 times better than those of conventional flame techniques without extraction or sample concentration. This increase in sensitivity results from an increase in atom density within the furnace as compared to flame atomic absorption. Many elements can be determined at concentrations of, or below, 1.0 μg/L. An additional advantage of electrothermal atomic absorption is that only a very small volume of sample is required.
The electrothermal technique is used only at concentration levels below the optimum range of direct flame atomic absorption because it is subject to more interferences than the flame procedure and requires increased analysis time. The method of standard additions may be required to ensure validity of data. Because of the high sensitivity of this technique, it is extremely susceptible to contamination; extra care in sample handling and analysis may be required.