Aas Introduction 2022

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AAS INTRODUCTION:
- AAS is an analytical technique used to determine the concentration of metal
atoms/ions in a sample. Metals make up around 75% of the earth’s chemical elements.
In some cases, metal content in a material is desirable, but metals can also be
contaminants (poisons).
- The basic principles of AAS can be expressed as follows. Firstly, all atoms or ions can
absorb light at specific, unique wavelengths. When a sample containing copper (Cu)
and nickel (Ni), for example, is exposed to light at the characteristic wavelength of Cu,
then only the Cu atoms or ions will absorb this light. The amount of light absorbed at
this wavelength is directly proportional to the concentration of the absorbing ions or
atoms.
- The electrons within an atom exist at various energy levels. When the atom is exposed
to its own unique wavelength, it can absorb the energy (photons) and electrons move
from a ground state to excited states. The radiant energy absorbed by the electrons is
directly related to the transition that occurs during this process. Furthermore, since the
electronic structure of every element is unique, the radiation absorbed represents a
unique property of each individual element and it can be measured.
A typical atomic absorption spectrometer consists of four main components: the light
source, the atomization system, the monochromator and the detection system.
Schematic diagram of a typical atomic absorption spectrometer.

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i.e It uses the principle that atoms (and ions) can absorb light at a specific, unique
wavelength. When this specific wavelength of light is provided, the energy (light) is
absorbed by the atom. Electrons in the atom move from the ground state to an excited
state. The amount of light absorbed is measured and the concentration of the element
in the sample can be calculated.
An
electron is excited from the ground state to higher energy level by absorbing energy
(light) at a specific wavelength. In atomic absorption spectroscopy, the wavelength of
absorbed light is determined by the type of atom (which element it is) and the energy
levels the electrons are moving to. How much light is absorbed is determined by the
concentration of the element in the sample.
In a typical experiment, the sample, is atomized in either a flame or a graphite furnace.

The free atoms are then exposed to light, typically produced by a hollow-cathode lamp,
and undergo electronic transitions from the ground state to excited electronic states.
- The light produced by the lamp is emitted from excited atoms of the same element that
is to be determined, therefore the radiation energy corresponds directly to the
wavelength absorbed by the atomized sample.
- A monochromator is placed between the sample and the detector to reduce
background interference. From here, the detector measures the intensity of the beam of
light and converts it to absorption data.
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While solid samples can be used for AAS this analysis is usually restricted to the more
expensive graphite furnaces where the sample can be heated by controlled electrical
heating as opposed to a direct flame.
AAS is normally only used to analyze metal atoms. The main reason for this is that
metals have narrow, bright and clear single emission and absorption lines.
Atomizing techniques - flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS)
FAAS is mainly used to determine the concentration of metals in solution in parts per
million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb) ranges. The metal ions are nebulized as a fine
spray into a high-temperature flame where they are reduced to their atoms and
subsequently absorb light from an element-specific hollow cathode lamp.
The atomization process in FAAS.

Atomizing techniques - graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy
(GFAAS)
In GFAAS, a type of electrothermal atomization, a sample is placed in a hollow graphite
tube which is heated until the sample is completely vaporized. GFAAS is much more
sensitive than FAAS and can detect very low concentrations of metals (less than 1 ppb)
in smaller samples. Using electricity to heat the narrow graphite tube ensures that all of
the sample is atomized in a period of a few milliseconds to seconds. The absorption of
the atomic vapor is then measured in the region immediately above the heated surface.
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A typical graphite tube atomization process.
Interpreting an atomic absorption spectrometric output

The interpretation of outputs in AAS is quite simple and follows Beer’s law, namely that
absorbance is directly proportional to concentration. This means that the analyte’s
concentration correlates with the electrical output received from the detector.
One of the ways to determine the unknown concentration of an analyte is to use several
solutions of known concentrations to calibrate the instrument.
The curve shows radiation (absorbance) versus concentration and once the sample is
measured, the concentration value could be obtained from the calibration curve.
Advantages and Limitations of AAS.
Advantages Limitations
Low cost per analysis Cannot detect non-metals
Easy to operate New equipment is quite expensive
High sensitivity (up to ppb detection) More geared towards analysis of liquids
High accuracy Sample is destroyed
Mostly free from inter-element interference
Wide applications across many industries
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Applications

1. Mining and Geology – The elemental composition of minerals and rocks provide
valuable information on the commercial feasibility of conducting mining activities in
areas explored. After mining, the ores and minerals need to be tested for composition
for the efficiency of refining operations. Similarly, trace metal analysis is of great value
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in prospecting for oil and water deposits.

Gemstones are also graded on the basis of the presence of certain trace metals.
Elemental composition of archaeological artefacts is helpful for tracing their source.
2. Environmental Monitoring – Environmental monitoring for trace metal
contamination of industrial effluents, oceans, rivers and lakes is important for
establishing the safety of water for drinking and commercial use. It is important to
establish if such samples are within the safety limits set by regulatory bodies.
Environmental monitoring also plays a significant role in the evaluation and feasibility
of the site for setting up commercial projects.
3. Materials Development – Common properties of materials such as hardness,
brittleness, grain size, crystallinity and amorphous nature are significantly influenced by
composition and trace metals. Trace metal analysis can provide useful information on
the performance properties of such materials.
4. Pharmaceuticals – Trace metal analysis plays an important role in formulation
development, catalyst efficiency and dosage limits. Most elements have a beneficial role
up to certain prescribed limits but beyond such limits the effects are harmful.
5. Foods and Beverages – In synthetic processed foods, metal pickup takes place due
to contact with processing equipment and catalytic conversions. Consumer awareness
on food safety is increasing by the day so manufacturers have to ensure that the trace
metals do not exceed the permissible limits and this requires rigorous quality control
through atomic absorption spectroscopy and other sophisticated instruments.
6. Oil and Petroleum – Both edible oils and mineral oils require refining before
consumption. Such refining operation can involve distillation as well as catalytic refining.
Uptake of metals during such operations can lead to deterioration of performance or
consumer hazards. Trace metal analysis of engine oil provides useful diagnostic
information on the wear and tear of engine parts.
7. Agriculture – Trace metal constitution of soils in addition to their acidic or basic
nature is essential to establish their productivity and nutrient value. Trace metal
composition of plants (leaves, stems and roots) gives a fair idea on how the uptake of
minerals gets distributed under different growth conditions
8. Forensics – Trace metal analysis provides valuable information on specimens such
as stomach contents for food poisoning, paint chips, fibres and hair strands collected
from the scene of a crime.
Types of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Nowadays, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) systems are comparatively
inexpensive instruments. Some also predict multi(few)-element capability.
There are various types of AAS:
- Flame (F - AAS),
- Cold vapour (CV - AAS),
- Hydride-generating (HG AAS), and Graphite furnace (GF-AAS) systems.
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Compiled by; E. Waithira, Chemistry dept.

Aas Introduction 2022

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Schematic diagram of a typical atomic absorption spectrometer.

In a typical experiment, the sample, is atomized in either a flame or a graphite furnace.

The atomization process in FAAS.

A typical graphite tube atomization process.

Interpreting an atomic absorption spectrometric output

Low cost per analysis Cannot detect non-metals

Easy to operate New equipment is quite expensive

High accuracy Sample is destroyed

Mostly free from inter-element interference

Wide applications across many industries

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Applications

in prospecting for oil and water deposits.

Types of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Compiled by; E. Waithira, Chemistry dept.

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