Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is an easy, high-throughput, and inexpensive technology used primarily to analyze elements in solution. As such, AAS is used in food and beverage, water, clinical research, and pharmaceutical analysis. It is also used in mining operations to determine, for instance, the percentage of precious metal in ores.
Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) detects elements in either liquid or solid samples through the application of characteristic wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation from a light source. Individual elements will absorb wavelengths differently, and these absorbances are measured against standards. In effect, AAS takes advantage of the different radiation wavelengths that are absorbed by different atoms.
In AAS, analytes are first atomized so that their characteristic wavelengths are emitted and recorded. Then, during excitation, electrons move up one energy level in their respective atoms (figure 1) when those atoms absorb a specific energy. This energy corresponds to a specific wavelength that is characteristic of the element. Depending on the light wavelength and its intensity, specific elements can be detected and their concentrations measured.
As electrons return to their original energy state, they emit energy in the form of light (figure 2).
AAS has an unlimited number of applications and is still a popular choice for uncomplicated trace elemental analysis. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) is widely accepted in many industries, which continue to utilize the unique and specific benefits of this technology. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) is an established technology for measuring elements at parts per billion (ppb or µg/l) concentrations with incredibly low sample volumes.
In this section, you will:
Learn how different sample types are prepared for AAS analysis, how challenges such as spectral interference and poor sensitivity are addressed, and how samples that contain toxic elements or high levels of solid material are processed.
Learn how different background issues are resolved, how internal standards function, and how AAS software can help guide the user through challenging spectrometry workflows and experiments.
Understand the basic components of AAS systems, how the technology functions in trace elemental analysis, and which accessories streamline workflows and improve experimental accuracy.
Learn how elements and their isotopes can provide essential molecular information at our library of applications notes, scientific posters, webinars, and more.
