Simultaneous multi-element determination of selected elements in dog urine by direct current plasma-atomic emission spectrometry.

Urine samples from dogs were analyzed for 15 important elements (Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, V, and Zn) by using wet-ashing and simultaneous DCP atomic emission spectrometry. As K, Na and P influence the spectral emission of elements to be determined, matrix-matching was applied to ensure accurate metal determinations. The method was checked by analyzing standard reference materials of urine. The values found were generally in agreement (accuracy within 100 +/- 10%) with the certified values. Short- and long-term stabilities of the instrument for the elements determined ranged from 0.4 to 2.2% and from 1.2 to 6.9%, respectively. Simultaneous multi-element determination gives increased information on trace- and minor elements in urine. In the present study DCP atomic emission spectrometry is successfully applied for this purpose.