Improved Method for Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with a Graphite Furnace to Determine Tin in Blood

Determination of tin (Sn) concentrations in human blood samples was examined by atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace. The matrix modifiers, 120 μg/ml Ni, 0.1% H3PO4, and 10% ascorbic acid, in the furnace increased the sensitivity; the detection limit was 2.5 ng/ml when 10 μl of the sample solution was injected into furnace, namely 25 pg of Sn. When Sn in blood samples was determined, addition of ascorbic acid was necessary. The highest absorbance was observed when Ni, H3PO4, and ascorbic acid were added. Sn concentrations in blood of male smelter workers were very low, ranging from below the detection limit to 20 ng/ml, which were considered to be normal values.