Atomic-absorption spectrometric determination of trace metals in zirconium and zircaloy by discrete sample nebulization.

A discrete sample nebulization technique was employed to determine trace metals in nuclear grade zirconium and Zircaloy by flame atomic-absorption spectrometry. With 10% (w v ) sample solutions, detection limits for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb were 0.6, 2, 1,3, and 10 mug g . Micro standard-addition procedures and background correction were employed to minimize matrix interferences produced by the high salt content of the aspirated solutions.