Determination of nickel, calcium and magnesium in xylem sap by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using a microsampling technique

Determination of nickel, calcium and magnesium in xylem sap by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using a microsampling technique

Phytochemical Analysis 2009, 20, 365-371
Sheila Alves, Maria L. Simoes Goncalves, Margarida M. Correia dos Santos

Abstract: A microsampling technique for the determination of elements in xylem sap from different plants by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was optimised in terms of sample volume and integration time. The analytical characteristics of the microsampling technique (µ-FAAS) were established and compared with those of FAAS with traditional continuous nebulisation. The method was validated by means of an independent technique. Ca, Mg and Ni were determined in a 50 µL aliquot of xylem sap solution/element that was introduced directly into the flame via the microsampling accessory. Good precision was obtained with relative standard deviations of 1.1, 0.6 and 2.3% for Ca, Mg and Ni, respectively. Matrix effects resulting from the physical characteristics of the samples and possible chemical interferences caused by phosphate and/or sulphate were ruled out.