Biological Applications of the Carbon Rod Atomizer in Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. 2. Determination of Copper in Small Samples of Tissue

Abstract

Abstract A simple technique is presented for the analysis for copper in small fragments of tissue. Dissolution of the tissue in concentrated nitric acid is the only preparative step required. Copper content is then determined by comparison with standards, by using the carbon rod atomizer previously described. Sample volumes of less than 2 µl are used for each measurement. The method gives results that compare well with both colorimetric and flame atomic absorption methods, and also with neutron activation analysis, and appears to be applicable to the analysis of other metals in tissue.