Determination of Toxic Elements in Industrial Effluents

This application note is a technical report that outlines a method for the routine analysis of toxic elements, specifically cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, zinc, and chromium, in industrial effluents using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) with the novAA® 800 F instrument. The document discusses the importance of monitoring industrial wastewater to ensure compliance with drinking water standards and to prevent harmful contaminants from entering ecosystems. It details the sample preparation process, including the use of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, and describes the calibration standards and instrument settings necessary for accurate measurements. The results section presents data comparing the determined concentrations of these metals in wastewater samples against certified values, demonstrating the method's robustness and reliability. The application note concludes by emphasizing the effectiveness of the flame AAS method for this purpose, while also noting the availability of performance-enhancing accessories to improve analysis efficiency.