Copper determination in biological materials by ETAAS using W-Rh permanent modifier.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Accurate determination of copper in biological materials is crucial for health diagnostics.
• Conventional chemical modifiers in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) can be costly and require frequent recalibration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a tungsten-rhodium (W-Rh) treatment as a permanent chemical modifier for copper determination in biological samples using ETAAS.
• To compare the efficiency and stability of the W-Rh permanent modifier with conventional modifiers.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of a W-Rh permanent modifier on a transversely heated graphite atomiser platform.
• Analysis of copper in digested biological samples and slurry samples using ETAAS.
• Assessment of modifier stability, tube lifetime, analytical curve consistency, and detection limits.

Main Results:

• The W-Rh permanent modifier demonstrated efficiency comparable to conventional Pd+Mg(NO3)2 modifiers for copper thermal stabilization.
• The modifier remained stable for approximately 300 and 250 firings for digested and slurry samples, respectively.
• Improved tube lifetime, reduced analytical curve slope variation, and lower detection limits (0.64 and 0.33 µg g⁻¹ for digested and slurry samples, respectively) were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The W-Rh permanent modifier offers a stable, efficient, and cost-effective alternative for copper determination in biological matrices using ETAAS.
• Its durability and reduced need for recalibration enhance sample throughput and decrease analytical costs.
• Results obtained with the W-Rh modifier were in agreement with conventional methods, validating its performance.