Minimization of Cu and Ni interferences in the determination of Sb by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry: the use of picolinic acid as masking agent and the influence of L-cysteine

The minimization of copper and nickel interference on the determination of antimony by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry using picolinic acid and L-cysteine as masking agents was studied. Concentrations up to 4000 and 1000 mg l(-1) of nickel and copper respectively were found to be tolerable in the presence of picolinic acid. The simultaneous presence of both transition metals could be tolerated by using a mixture of picolinic acid and L-cysteine. In the analysis of a nickel oxide certified reference material good agreement between the recommended and found values was verified. A detection limit (3 s, n = 10) of 0.1 mug Sb g(-1) in the original sample was estimated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.