Gas Chromatographic Separation of Cd from Matrix Compounds in Separative Column Atomizer for Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Synopsis A separative column atomizer (SCA) heated with a silicon carbide (SiC) heating element was constructed for the direct determination of the trace amounts of Cd. Its capability of chromatographic separation of atomic vapor from non-atomic species was examined on the direct atomization of biological samples. The SCA was heated up to 1420°C. The species formed by decomposition under a flow of argon were followed by reaction and/or separation in the SCA packed with graphite granules, and subsequently the atomic absorption of Cd was measured at the column outlet. The non-atomic absorption gave no background absorption problems because of the gas chromatographic separation between non-atomic and atomic vapors through the SCA.