Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of lead in calcium drug samples by direct atomization technique

The direct determination of lead in calcium drug samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with a molybdenum tube atomizer has been developed. Direct calibration with lead standard solutions together with matrix elements (CaHPO4 or CaCo3) and ultrasonic agitation of a solution including the sample powder were used. Thiourea served as a matrix modifier to eliminate the interference of matrix elements. Analytical results obtained from four calcium drug samples by direct atomization are in good conformity with the dissolved acid digested samples. Advantages of this method are simplicity, rapid calibration, fast analysis and low cost.