Applications of Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

Atomic Absorption spectrometer is an instrument used for quantitative analysis of most of the metals in nano grams. This is highly sensitive technique used for analysis.

1. 1
Atomic Absorption SpectroscopyAtomic Absorption Spectroscopy
（（AAS)AAS)
APPLICATIONS
By:
Tapeshwar Bhardwaj

2. 2
·IntroductionIntroduction
·InstrumentationInstrumentation
·ApplicationsApplications
Atomic Absorption Atomic Absorption
SpectroscopySpectroscopy
（（AASAAS））

3. 3
What is AAS ?
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy is
a quantitative method of analysis
that is applicable to many metals
and a few elements.
Introductionntroduction

4. 4
What is AAS ?
Introduced in 1955
By Alan Walsh in Australia
First commercial AA Spectrometer
was introduced in 1955.
Alan Walsh 1916-1998

5. 5
What is AAS ?
•An atomic absorption spectrophotometer
consists of a light source, a sample
compartment and a detector.
Light SourceLight Source DetectorDetector
SampleSample
CompartmentCompartment

6. 6
InstrumentationInstrumentation
Line
source
Monochromator Detector
Read-outNebulizer
Schematic diagram of a flame
spectrophotomer
Atomization

7. 7
Hollow Cathode Lamp Hollow Cathode Lamp (HCL)(HCL)
Cathode--- in the form of a cylinder,
made of the element being studied in
the flame
Anode---tungsten

8. 8
A hollow cathode lamp for Aluminum (Al)A hollow cathode lamp for Aluminum (Al)

9. 9
SpectrAA - AAS

Motorized
Mirror
HCL

10. 10
Sample Atomization Techniques
Flame Atomization
Electro-Thermal Atomization/
Graphite Furnace
Hydride Atomization
Cold-Vapor Atomization

11. 11

12. 12
Common fuels and oxidants used in flame
spectroscopy

13. 13
Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer

14. 14
Sensitivity and Detection limit(ng/mL)

15. 15
APPLICATIONS
• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
• FOOD TECHNOLOGY
• • PHARMACEUTICALS
• PETROCHEMICALS
• • GEOCHEMICAL/MINING
• • BIO-MONITORING
• • AGRICULTURE
• NANOMATERIALS
• PATHOLOGY

16. 16
IN FORENSIC SCIENCES
1.Determination of trace elements
2.Elemental profiles of biological samples.
3.Trace elements in artificial fibres.
4.Determination of the mode of poisoning.
5.Hair analysis for heavy metal poisons.
6.Determinations of ammunition manufacturers.
7.Discrimination of objects/Elements.

17. 17

18. 18
Advantages and disadvantages
High sensitivity
[10
-10
g (flame), 10
-14
g (non-flame)]
Good accuracy
(Relative error 0.1 ~ 0.5 % )
High selectivity
Widely used
A resonance line source is required
for each element to be determined

19. 19

20. 20