Determination of Sb and Bi in geological samples by HG-FAAS with branched capillary as hydride generator

A branched capillary was investigated as an online hydride generator for the determination of Sb and Bi by hydride generation FAAS.The experimental parameters,including factors affecting hydride generation and the interferences from transition metal ions,were studied in detail.Compared with conventional FAAS,the sensitivity of the proposed HG-FAAS for Sb and Bi was improved by more than one order of magnitude.Limits of detection(LOD) were 0.03 mg/L and 0.02 mg/L for Sb and Bi,respectively.Calibration curves were linear up to 10.0 mg/L for Sb and 5.0 mg/L for Bi,respectively.The proposed method was applied to the determination of Sb and Bi in standard geological samples.