Analysis of the Lead Content of a Coffee Beverage by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Introduction of the GFA-TV Graphite Furnace Atomizer Camera

Introduction

Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS, electrically heated atomic absorption, flameless atomic absorption) is capable of highly sensitive analysis of many different elements. GFAAS can also remove organic materials in particular from samples during analysis as it performs atomization via drying and ashing steps using a temperature program. GFAAS can consequently be used to analyze beverages, water- soluble foods, biological samples, organic solvents, and water-soluble organic compounds without needing to perform degradation pretreatments. However, the properties of these untreated samples differ from those of aqueous solutions subjected to degradation pretreatment, and corresponding care is needed during sample injection and drying. This Application News describes the direct analysis of lead in a commercially available coffee beverage without pretreatment using GFAAS, and introduce the GFA-TV graphite furnace atomizer camera‒a convenient optional product that allows observation inside the furnace during sample injection and drying.

October 6, 2016 GMT