Determination of As, Bi, Sb and Sn in conifer needles from various locations in Poland and Norway by hydride generation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Hydride generation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (HG-ICP-AES) in the system with aerosolised sample introduction has been employed for the first time for analysis of conifer needles. Arsenic, bismuth, antimony and tin along with other trace elements were simultaneously determined in pine, spruce, yew and thuja foliage sampled from various locations in Poland and Norway. Quality of the measurements was assured by examination of two attested plant reference materials. The application of different analyte introduction techniques and interference effects from matrix elements, i.e. Na, K, Mg, Ca and transition metals in the analysis of needles are discussed.