Thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for determination of silver in biological materials

A method for silver determination without concentration steps is described using thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Carrier type and flow rate, sample volume, flame conditions (acetylene and air flow rate), water flow rate in the nebulizer, metallic tube and type and concentration of the acid diluent of the analyte are the parameters evaluated in the optimization of the method. Using the optimized conditions, eleven elements are evaluated as concomitants. The limits of detection and quantification are 0.15 μg L−1 and 0.50 μg L−1, respectively. The linear range is from 0.50 μg L−1 to 40 μg L−1 and the accuracy of the method is obtained through two certified reference materials: MA-A-2 (fish flesh homogenate) and SRM 1643e (trace elements in water).