Minimization of Cu and Ni interferences in the determination of Sb by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry: the use of picolinic acid as masking agent and the influence of l-cysteine

The minimization of copper and nickel interference on the determination of antimony by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry using picolinic acid and l-cysteine as masking agents was studied. Concentrations up to 4000 and 1000 mg l−1 of nickel and copper respectively were found to be tolerable in the presence of picolinic acid. The simultaneous presence of both transition metals could be tolerated by using a mixture of picolinic acid and l-cysteine. In the analysis of a nickel oxide certified reference material good agreement between the recommended and found values was verified. A detection limit (3 s, n=10) of 0.1 μg Sb g−1 in the original sample was estimated.