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Published on: November 3, 2017
Atomic-absorption determination of beryllium in liquid environmental samples
J Korkisch1, A Sorio, I Steffan
1Institute for Analytical Chemistry, Analysis of Nuclear Raw Materials Division, University of Vienna, Währingerstrasse 38, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
This study presents a new method for determining beryllium in environmental samples. The technique uses solvent extraction and cation-exchange chromatography for accurate atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate determination of beryllium in environmental samples is crucial.
- Existing methods may lack efficiency or sensitivity for trace beryllium analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a robust method for atomic-absorption determination of beryllium.
- To enable precise quantification of beryllium in diverse liquid environmental matrices.
Main Methods:
- Beryllium isolation via chloroform extraction of beryllium acetylacetonate at pH 7 with EDTA.
- Separation and purification using a Dowex 50 cation-exchange column.
- Elution with 6M hydrochloric acid followed by atomic-absorption spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Successful application of the method to various water types (tap, river, sea) and beverages (mineral water, wine).
- Quantification of beryllium in the range of < 0.01 to 2.3 microg/l.
- Demonstrated effectiveness of the combined solvent extraction and ion-exchange separation technique.
Conclusions:
- The described method provides a reliable approach for trace beryllium determination in environmental samples.
- This technique enhances analytical capabilities for environmental monitoring of beryllium.
- The method is suitable for a wide range of liquid samples, offering practical applicability.
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