Maimoona Saeed: Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Maimoona Saeed
PCHEM01193002 Semester 2
MPhil Analytical The University of Lahore
chemistry
Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

2
INTRODUCTION:
The Atomic absorption spectrometer is used to analyze metals at very low concentrations, typically
in the parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb) ranges. A liquid sample containing dissolved
material whose concentration is to be measured is aspirated into a thin, wide AA flame, or is
introduced into a small carbon furnace which is heated to a high temperature.
3
BASIC PRINCIPLE:
AAS is the measurement of absorption of radiation by free atoms. The total amount of absorption
depends on the number of free atoms present and the degree to which the free atoms absorb the
radiation. At the high temperature of the AA flame, which may be either oxy-acetylene or nitrous
oxide/acetylene, the sample is broken down into atoms and it is the concentration of these atoms that is
measured.
WORKING OF AAS:
The atomizer and flame convert metal-based molecules and complexes into isolated atoms. The
multiple molecules that any metal could form means that matching a particular spectrum to the source
metal is difficult, if not impossible. The flame and atomizer are intended to break any molecular bonds
they might have.
AAS use the absorption of light to measure the concentration of gas phase atoms. The light that is
focused into the flame is produced by a hollow cathode lamp, inside which is the sample and an anode.
A high voltage is passed between the cathode and anode and the metal atoms are excited into
producing light with a certain emission spectrum.
An atom consists of a core containing neutrons and protons. It also has a surrounding number of
electrons, which are bound to the core at different energy levels. When an electron makes a transition
from a particular energy level of an atom to a lower energy level, a photon of energy is released, which
is equivalent in energy to the reduced level for the electron. The photon forms an atomic spectral line.
The frequency (v) at which the spectral line occurs is related to the energy (E) by Planck’s law; E = hv,
where h is Planck’s constant. The atomic radiation produced can be characterized by both emission and
an absorption coefficient. As the quantity of energy put into the flame is known and the quantity
emitted can be detected, it is possible to calculate the concentration of the element present.
4
USES OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETER IN FORENSICS:

 It can be used to determine high concentrations of inorganic salts present in solutions
containing ashes of biological materials.
 The analysis of Gunshot residue from crime scene and from victim can be done by Atomic
absorption spectrometer.
 During criminal investigations relating to buried human remains, mass graves, or poaching,
human and animal bones may be comingled, highly fragmented, or burned. So AAS can be
used as an instrument for species differentiation of bone fragments.
USES OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETER IN FOOD:

 AA facilitates the analysis of a large number of toxic trace elements across a wide analytical
range, from parts per million (ppm) down to subparts per billion (ppb). The technique can
achieve the required low detection limits, and it offers maximum ease of use, sensitivity, and
accuracy. These characteristics make AA an ideal choice for the analysis of trace elements in
all the packed and canned foods along with the beverages.
 Determination of multi-trace elements Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Co, Pb, Cd and heavy metals
in soils and water around the areas of production of the crops of polluted areas is done easily by
AAS. Water pollution can affect the crops and ultimately, we can get toxic chemicals like Cd in
our vegetables and fruit.
USES OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETER IN MEDICINE:

 It is used to study the binding of Zn and Cu to plasma proteins after myocardial infarction also
known as heart attack.
 It is used as a technique to study the intestinal absorption of Ca, NaCl, Mg or Vitamins.
 It is used for testing blood and urine samples for the determination of different elements.
REFERENCES:
 Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Fundamentals and Applications in Medicine José Manuel
González-López1, Elena María González-Romarís2, Isabel Idoate-Cervantes3 and Jesús
Fernando Escanero4
 https://www.scimed.co.uk/education/what-is-atomic-absorption-spectroscopy-aas/
 Application of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in Food Sciences: (A Study on Cucurbita

Maxima) VishalMahabiraVishwaVerma
5
 Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in Forensic Chemistry S.P. Singhal
 Atomic Spectroscopy for Forensic Applications, Diana M. Grant, Charles A. Peters

Maimoona Saeed: Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Maimoona Saeed: Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Maimoona Saeed: Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Maimoona Saeed

Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

USES OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETER IN FORENSICS:

USES OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETER IN FOOD:

USES OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETER IN MEDICINE:

 It is used as a technique to study the intestinal absorption of Ca, NaCl, Mg or Vitamins.

 Application of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in Food Sciences: (A Study on Cucurbita

 Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in Forensic Chemistry S.P. Singhal

 Atomic Spectroscopy for Forensic Applications, Diana M. Grant, Charles A. Peters

You might also like