Analytical Notes
64 Agilent Vapor Generation Accessory VGA 77 and VGA 77P User’s Guide
Bismuth
The presence of potassium iodide will severely suppress the
analytical response. Always ensure that the VGA 77 system is
completely free of potassium iodide before performing bismuth
determinations.
NOTE
To avoid contamination, it is recommended that you dedicate a separate module
to the analysis of those elements requiring pre-reduction with KI—As and Sb.
Prepare samples in 1 M hydrochloric acid.
Reductant container: NaBH
4
0.6% w/v
NaOH 0.5% w/v
Acid container: 5 M HCl (Higher acid concentrations
will depress the analytical signal.)
Mercury
Traces of potassium iodide will interfere severely with the
production of mercury vapor and the analytical response may be
completely suppressed. Always ensure that the VGA 77 system is
completely free of potassium iodide before performing mercury
determinations.
NOTE
To avoid contamination, it is recommended that you dedicate a separate module
to the analysis of those elements requiring pre-reduction with KI—As and Sb.
The mercury in the sample must be in the inorganic form, otherwise
digestion or use of releasing agents (e.g. CdCl
2
), will be necessary.
If digestion is necessary, use acid digestion, or ashing with an
appropriate ashing aid. Simple dry ashing is not recommended as the
mercury will be lost.