Procedure for rapid determination of nickel, cobalt, and chromium in airborne particulate samples

A rapid, selective procedure for the determination of 1 to 20 micrograms of nickel, chromium, and cobalt in airborne particulates is described. The method utilizes the combined techniques of low temperature ashing and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The airborne particulates are collected on analytical filter paper. The filter papers are ashed, and the residues are dissolved in hydrochloric acid. Nickel, chromium, and cobalt are determined directly with good precision and accuracy by means of atomic absorption. The effects of flame type, burner height, slit width, and lamp current on the atomic absorption measurements are reported