ABSTRACT
This is concerned with the and evaluation of an atomtrapping for determination of heavy in samples.
Modified atom-trapping technique using fabricated nickel tube/sample holder (crucible) was employed to increase the sensitivity of a flame atomic absorption spectrometry.
Different designs and ways of placing the atom trap over the burner were evaluated to optimize the experimental conditions. The height of the tube’s support was varied, as well as, its design. The optimal position, for maximum light path through the tube, was obtained experimentally.
Results of this attempt using nickel atom trap method on a number of standards of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, cobalt, manganese and nickel concentrations, showed high sensitivity for the technique (1.2 – 4.1-fold) when compared to the conventional flame atomic absorption spectrometry.
The improvement factors on the absorbance signals for the various metals were as follows: Cd =3.8 – 4.1; Pb = 1.8 – 2.2; Cu = 1.9 – 2.3; Mn = 1.2 – 1.7; Zn 2.3 – 2.5; Co = 1.2 – 1.8 and Ni = 1.6 – 2.1. These data indicated that a significant improvement in sensitivity has been achieved, using the nickel tube atom trap method.
The results from this study suggested that the method, as an analytical procedure, is more sensitive than the conventional method for the determination of heavy metals in environmental samples. Thus, a study was carried out to analyse effluents discharged from small and medium scale industries.
INTRODUCTION
Pollution is contamination by a chemical or any agent that renders part of the environment unfit for man or other living organisms.
Pollution damages the land, water and air. It results in contamination of the earth’s environment with materials that interfere with human health, the quality of life and the natural functioning of ecosystems. Pollution is usually caused by human actions but can also be the consequence of natural disasters (Rao, 2006).
A pollutant is defined as a substance that occurs in the environment as a result of human activities and which has a deleterious effect on the environment (Moriarity, 1990).
Domestic, industrial and agricultural processes and other sources produce large quantities of waste products that cause rapid changes to the environment. Exposure to the pollutant at sufficiently high concentrations can cause a variety of health effects (Dara, 2002).
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