On the underestimated factors influencing the accuracy of determination of Pt and Pd by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry in road dust samples

Abstract

The accurate determination of Pt and Pd in environmental samples requires application of sensitive analytical technique as well as the separation/preconcentration of analytes from complex matrix of such samples. The careful optimization of sample pre-treatment procedure is also essential, but often certain steps of optimization process are neglected. The solid phase extraction procedure based on separation/preconcentration of Pt and Pd on immobilized biomass of fungi Aspergillus sp. and determination of analytes by ETAAS was chosen as an example for discussion. The most critical aspects of sample pre-treatment procedure, that affect the accuracy of determination of Pt and Pd in road dust, such as sample storage, sample digestion, transformation of analyte into adequate form, and separation of analytes from interfering matrix are discussed in this chapter. The optimized procedure was applied to the determination of Pt and Pd in road dust collected in Bialystok (Poland). The content of Pt in road dust increased from 93 µg kg−1 in 2000 to 263 µg kg−1 in 2011, while the content of Pd increased from 43 µg kg−1 in 2000 to 328 µg kg−1 in 2011.