Multi-element Simultaneous sensitization of solution cathode glow discharge atomic emission spectrometry by using...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Electroplating sewage poses environmental risks due to heavy metal contamination.
• Accurate detection of trace metals in complex matrices like sewage is challenging.
• Existing methods for atomic emission spectrometry may suffer from thermal instability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a modified solution cathode glow discharge atomic emission spectrometry (SCGD-AES) system for enhanced trace metal detection in electroplating sewage.
• To improve the thermal stability and performance of the SCGD-AES device through a novel portable semiconductor anode refrigeration unit.

Main Methods:

• A portable semiconductor anode refrigeration unit was independently designed and integrated into the SCGD-AES device.
• The effect of the refrigeration unit on tungsten electrode red-heat and thermal stability was investigated.
• The modified SCGD-AES system was used to detect various metal elements (Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb) in electroplating sewage samples.
• Method accuracy was validated using stream sediment reference material and spike recovery tests in industrial sewage and seawater.

Main Results:

• The portable refrigeration unit effectively alleviated the red-heat effect of the tungsten electrode, increasing withstand voltage from 1040 V to 1140 V.
• The modified SCGD-AES system demonstrated significantly improved excitation of chromium and an 8.5-fold decrease in its limit of detection (LOD).
• LODs for Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, and Pb were reduced by 1.8-3.2 times.
• Validation with reference material showed results consistent with certified values, and spike recoveries ranged from 90.5% to 98.7%.

Conclusions:

• The developed portable semiconductor anode refrigeration unit enhances the thermal stability and performance of SCGD-AES.
• The modified SCGD-AES method provides a highly effective and accurate approach for trace metal analysis in electroplating sewage.
• This technique shows high potential for environmental monitoring and trace element analysis applications.