Applications of a slotted tube atom trap and flame atomic absorption spectrometry: determination of bismuth in copper-based alloys with and without hydride generation

Improved systems are reported for the determination of bismuth (0-0.1%, w/w) in copper-based alloys by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The use of a slotted quartz tube atom trap (STAT) with nebulised solutions or coupled with hydride generation decreases the characteristic concentrations (nebulized solution, 0.44/0.25, without/with STAT; hydride, 0.022/0.014, without/with STAT) and improved precisions by factors of two compared with those obtained without the use of the STAT. Determination of bismuth in a series of reference materials demonstrates the usefulness of STAT systems for the analysis of metallurgical samples.