Atomic-Absorption Characteristics of Bismuth Using a Turbulent-Flow Total-Consumption Burner

Abstract

An investigation of the atomic-absorption behavior of bismuth was undrtaken, using the 3067.72-Å line of bismuth. Optimum operating condiions were determined, then a flameintensity profile was obtained, and analytical curve prepared, the sensitivity and limit of detection determined, and interference studies were caried out. The instrument used was an 0.5-m Ebert-mounted monochromator using ac electronics with a Sargent model S-72150 multirange recorder for readout. A bsimuth hollow cathode and a Beckman medium-bore oxy-acetylence burner were used. Optimum flow rate of the oxygen was 2.22 liter/min and the acetylene flow rate was 4.10 liter/min. These flow rates were quite critical. With a single burner and a single optical pass throught the Flame, the analytically useful range was 1-400 μg Bi/ml (in two steps) using a 1: 1 (volume/volume) acetone-water solvent system. The sensitivity was found to be 2.0 μ/ml and the limit of detection was approximately 1 μg/ml. Interference studies were conducted with the metals Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Zn, all of which are commonly found associated with bismuth in ores and alloys. None of these metals were found to interfere with the Bi determination.