Three-phase plasma arc atomic-emission spectrometric analysis of environmental samples using an ultrasonic nebulizer

Combination of an ultrasonic nebulizer and plasma excitation sources for spectrochemical analysis offers desirable features of low detection limits, high sample throughput, wide dynamic range of operation, acceptable precision and accuracy, and simultaneous quantitative analytical capabilities. Moreover, the ultrasonic nebulizer does not require sample preconcentration. Recently we have developed a three-phase plasma arc (TPPA) for atomic emission spectrochemical analysis. In the present work, to increase the analytical utility of the three-phase plasma system, an ultrasonic nebulizer was used for sample introduction. The effects of the argon gas flow rate, current, excitation temperature have been studied. The analytical calibration curves are obtained for Ca, Cr, Fe, Mg and Mn, and detection limits have been calculated. The present technique is used to determine the concentration of the elements Ca, Cr, Fe, Mg and Mn in airborne samples.