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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
06:51
Quantitative Analysis by Thermogravimetry-Mass Spectrum Analysis for Reactions with Evolved Gases
Published on: October 29, 2018
Direct analysis of coal by electrothermal atomization atomic-absorption spectrometry
A H Ali1, B W Smith, J D Winefordnert
1Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, U.S.A.
Talanta
|September 1, 1989
Summary
A new method accurately determines trace elements in coal using a tube-cup furnace and electrothermal atomization atomic-absorption spectrometry. This rapid technique offers precise and reliable analysis of elements like lead, zinc, and manganese.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Accurate trace element determination in coal is crucial for environmental monitoring and resource assessment.
- Existing methods for coal sample analysis can be time-consuming or require complex sample preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel, rapid method for determining trace elements (Pb, Zn, Mn) in coal samples.
- To assess the precision and accuracy of the proposed analytical technique.
Main Methods:
- Coal samples were ground to <200 mesh and introduced into a tube-cup furnace.
- Electrothermal atomization atomic-absorption spectrometry (ETA-AAS) was employed for element measurement.
- Calibration curves were prepared using solid standard reference materials (SRMs) or standard solutions.
Main Results:
- The method demonstrated good agreement between measured and certified values for Pb, Zn, and Mn in SRMs.
- The precision ranged from 5-14%, and accuracy was within 5-12% of standard reference values.
- The procedure included efficient ash removal using a Pasteur pipette after atomization.
Conclusions:
- The developed tube-cup furnace ETA-AAS method is a rapid, precise, and accurate approach for trace element analysis in coal.
- This technique offers a viable alternative for routine coal sample analysis, simplifying sample handling.
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