SEQUENTIAL MULTI-ELEMENT DETERMINATION OF TRACE-METALS IN BIODIESEL SAMPLES USING HR-CS FAAS

Abstract

In this work the feasibility of sequential multi-element determination of Zn, Fe, Mg, Cu, Na, K, Cr, Al and Ca in biodiesel samples by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS) was investigated. Biodiesel samples obtained from different sources and different chemical processes were analysed. The samples were diluted with n-propanol and water (1.4 mol L-1 HNO3) to form a microemulsion (ME) before its introduction in the HR-CS FAAS using a flow injection mode. The sample B-01 (obtained from soybean oil) was used for optimisation of the instrumental parameters. The accuracy of the proposed method was checked by analysis of certified reference material (CRM) Conostan BDM2A (for K and Na) and BDM2B (for Ca and Mg) and by comparison with acid digestion and recovery tests (for Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr and Al). The obtained results for CRM analysis showed good agreement with certified values within 95% of confidence (Student’s t-test). Recovery tests values ranged from 87-114%. The method developed for the analysis of biodiesel samples is accurate, simple, fast, and suitable for routine application.