The usual methods for heavy metal detection include UV spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic fluorescence spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Atomic absorption spectroscopy is an instrumental analysis method that complements atomic emission spectroscopy, which is mainly used for qualitative analysis of inorganic elements, and has become the main means of quantitative analysis of inorganic compounds.
The atomic absorption analysis process in heavy metal detection is as follows: 1. Prepare the sample into a solution (blank); 2. Preparation of calibration solutions (standard samples) for a series of known concentrations of analytical elements; 3. Measure the corresponding values of blank and standard samples in sequence; 4. Draw a calibration curve based on the corresponding values mentioned above; 5. Measure the corresponding values of unknown samples; 6. Calculate the concentration value of the sample based on the calibration curve and the corresponding value of the unknown sample.
Due to the development of computer technology, chemometrics, and the emergence of various new components, the accuracy, precision, and automation of atomic absorption spectrometers in heavy metal detection have been greatly improved. The atomic absorption spectrometer controlled by a microprocessor simplifies the operating program and saves analysis time.