Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Course

Lesson 1 • Overview of Atomic Spectrometry Techniques

Compares AAS with atomic emission and fluorescence spectrometry. Positions AAS within the broader analytical toolkit and clarifies its unique strengths.

Lesson 2 • Electromagnetic Radiation Principles

Examines wavelength, frequency, and photon energy relationships across the spectrum. Connects radiation properties to the UV-visible range used in AAS.

Lesson 3 • Atomic Structure and Energy Levels

Covers electron configuration, ground states, and quantised energy transitions in atoms. Establishes the quantum mechanical basis required for all subsequent AAS concepts.

Lesson 1 • Monochromators and Wavelength Selection

Covers diffraction gratings, slits, and optical geometry used to isolate analytical wavelengths. Links spectral bandwidth selection to sensitivity and spectral interference control.

Lesson 2 • Detectors and Signal Processing

Describes photomultiplier tubes and solid-state detectors used in modern AAS systems. Connects detector response characteristics to signal-to-noise ratio and detection limits.

Lesson 3 • Background Correction Systems

Introduces deuterium arc, Zeeman effect, and Smith-Hieftje background correction methods. Explains when each method is appropriate for minimising non-specific absorption.

Lesson 4 • Single-Beam and Double-Beam Optics

Contrasts single-beam and double-beam optical configurations in terms of drift compensation and throughput. Guides instrument selection based on analytical requirements.

Lesson 1 • Flame Types and Combustion Chemistry

Compares air-acetylene and nitrous oxide-acetylene flames in terms of temperature and reducing power. Connects flame chemistry to atomisation efficiency for specific elements.

Lesson 2 • Burner Head Optimisation

Covers burner head geometry, slot length, and height adjustment for maximum absorbance signal. Demonstrates how burner alignment affects sensitivity and background levels.

Lesson 3 • Nebulisers and Spray Chamber Design

Explains pneumatic and ultrasonic nebuliser operation and spray chamber aerosol conditioning. Links nebuliser efficiency to analytical sensitivity and precision.

Lesson 1 • Temperature Programme Development

Guides construction of drying, ashing, atomisation, and clean-out temperature steps. Optimising each stage maximises analyte signal while minimising matrix interferences.

Lesson 2 • Interferences Specific to GFAAS

Identifies spectral, chemical, and physical interferences unique to graphite furnace measurements. Provides strategies including modifier use and platform atomisation to overcome them.

Lesson 3 • Chemical Modifiers in GFAAS

Explains how matrix modifiers stabilise analytes during ashing to allow higher ashing temperatures. Covers palladium, magnesium nitrate, and mixed modifier applications.

Lesson 4 • Characteristic Mass and Detection Limits

Defines characteristic mass as a furnace performance metric and compares it to flame AAS detection limits. Enables students to evaluate instrument performance objectively.

Lesson 1 • HG-AAS Instrumentation and Setup

Describes flow injection manifolds, gas-liquid separators, and heated quartz tube atomisers used in HG-AAS. Connects each component to system sensitivity and precision.

Lesson 2 • Hydride Generation Principles

Explains the chemical reduction of hydride-forming elements to volatile hydrides using borohydride. Covers the elements amenable to this technique and their analytical advantages.

Lesson 3 • Cold Vapour Mercury Determination

Covers stannous chloride and sodium borohydride reduction of mercury to atomic vapour at room temperature. Explains why mercury requires a dedicated cold vapour approach.

Lesson 1 • Acid Digestion Methods

Compares open-vessel hot-plate digestion with closed-vessel microwave digestion for complete sample dissolution. Guides acid selection based on matrix composition and target elements.

Lesson 2 • Contamination Control and Blank Management

Identifies contamination sources at trace and ultratrace levels and establishes blank subtraction protocols. Protects data integrity in low-level environmental and biological analyses.

Lesson 3 • Dilution, Filtration, and Preservation

Covers volumetric dilution, membrane filtration, and acidification for sample stability. Ensures analyte integrity from collection through measurement.

Lesson 4 • Matrix Matching and Standard Addition

Explains matrix matching and standard addition as strategies to compensate for matrix-induced signal suppression or enhancement. Guides method selection based on matrix complexity.

Lesson 1 • Method Validation Parameters

Evaluates accuracy, precision, linearity, selectivity, and robustness as core validation parameters. Provides a structured validation protocol applicable to regulatory and research contexts.

Lesson 2 • Quality Control Sample Types

Defines calibration verification standards, continuing calibration checks, and certified reference materials. Explains how each QC type monitors different aspects of measurement accuracy.

Lesson 3 • Method Detection and Quantitation Limits

Derives method detection limits and quantitation limits from replicate low-level measurements. Connects these metrics to regulatory reporting thresholds and fitness for purpose.

Lesson 4 • Calibration Curve Construction

Covers standard preparation, linear regression, and calibration range selection for AAS methods. Establishes the quantitative link between absorbance and analyte concentration.

Lesson 1 • Troubleshooting and Method Optimisation

Provides a systematic diagnostic framework for resolving sensitivity loss, high background, and poor precision. Builds independent problem-solving skills for routine and complex AAS methods.

Lesson 2 • Environmental Sample Analysis

Applies AAS to water, soil, sediment, and air particulate matrices for trace metal determination. Addresses matrix-specific preparation and regulatory reporting requirements.

Lesson 3 • Biological and Clinical Sample Analysis

Covers blood, urine, tissue, and food matrices for essential and toxic element determination. Highlights protein precipitation, dilution, and matrix modifier strategies for biological samples.

Lesson 4 • Speciation and Hyphenated Techniques

Introduces chromatographic separation coupled to AAS for element speciation analysis. Covers arsenic, chromium, and mercury speciation as key analytical applications.