Determination of trace lead impurities in pure copper slurry samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with molybdenum tube atomizer

A method for direct atomization of slurry sample by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-ETAAS) has been developed for the determination of trace lead impurities in commercially available pure copper using laboratory-made molybdenum tube atomizer. Suitable charring temperature was set and matrix element interference was checked. Lead standard solution in the glycerol-water medium as calibration medium and ultrasonic agitation method of the suspension of the sample powder were used. Typical results of this direct slurry method and wet digestion were close and precision varies over the range RSD 3.9 to 9.0 %. The recovery of Pb added was 98-102 %. Accuracy for certified copper sample agreed within 3 % range. Limits of detection were 34 fg Pb (3S/N), and characteristic mass 170 fg Pb. The method offers rapid calibration, simplified and fast analysis of lead in pure copper at lower cost