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The Z-2000 series of flame, furnace and tandem atomic absorption spectrophotometers can determine low concentrations of toxic elements such as cadmium, mercury, lead and hexavalent chromium. This is of increasing importance with the implementation of the WEEE Directive and the planned implementation of RoHS next year.

Of particular importance is the determination of these toxic metals in plastic components such as electrical cables. A new method of sample preparation for polyethylene samples has been introduced which uses high-pressure microwave digestion with nitric acid. This replaces traditional extraction methods using sulphuric acid which is not suitable for the measurement of lead. Details of the new extraction method can be found in a new technical data sheet published by Hitachi (AA Sheet No. 72). (For a copy, e-mail info@hitachi-hitec-uk.com).

The Z-2000 Series benefits from the polarized Zeeman background correction method on both flame and furnace instruments, which not only gives extremely effective background elimination but also extremely stable baselines for both methods. The dual beam optics features twin detectors, enhancing detection levels. Detection limits for the flame instrument (in micrograms/g) are Cd: 2, Pb: 50 and Cr: 50. For the furnace instrument they are: Cd: 0.01, Pb: 0.25 and Cr: 0.2, also in micrograms/g.

The series is also suited to the testing of river water for toxic elements. These elements could end up in river water as a result of inappropriate disposal methods of electronic and electrical equipment. 

Hitachi High-Technologies Corp,. hitachi-hitec-uk.com