Application of Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for Determination of Selected Elements from Potential Ecological Burden Area

This work is focused on the determination of selected (chemical) elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Na, K, Mg a Ca) in a potential ecological burden area using flame atomic absorption spectrometry as a detection technique. A potential ecological burden is represented by tires which are used as a construction material or as an environment surrounding for growing decorative and consumable plants. Analytes were determined in plant origin samples. Firstly, the samples were dried in a laboratory electric dryer. The weighted amount of a dried sample (approximately 0.2 g) was digested inside a microwave decomposition device with an addition of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. An optimization of experimental parameters was done for each of the elements before sample measuring. A burner height was optimized and 8 mm height was chosen as a optimum for most elements. Under the optimum condition basic characteristics were measured for each element separately. These characteristics included limits of detection that were: 0.05; 0.01; 0.08; 0.21; 0.02; 0.01; 0.01; 0.01 mg L-1 for the following elements: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, K, Ca, Mg and Na, respectively. The limits of quantification, sensitivity and repeatability were determined for each element as well. A significant attention was paid to the content of zinc in the studied..