Determination of toxic elements in biological materials by furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Graphite furnace AAS has evolved into its third phase of maturity. Initially it was considered to be the ultimate high sensitivity interference-free technique for trace metal analysis. This phase quickly ended following the examination of complex sample types. We believe that the introduction of high-performance background correction such as Smith-Hieftje, delayed atomization techniques, and aerosol deposition have taken graphite furnace AAS into its third phase. The technique can now be used more routinely and more easily for the analysis of complex materials such as biological fluids.