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Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory-Determination of chromium in water by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry

January 1, 1993

Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry is a sensitive, precise, and accurate method for the determination of chromium in natural water samples. The detection limit for this analytical method is 0.4 microg/L with a working linear limit of 25.0 microg/L. The precision at the detection limit ranges from 20 to 57 percent relative standard deviation (RSD) with an improvement to 4.6 percent RSD for concentrations more than 3 microg/L. Accuracy of this method was determined for a variety of reference standards that was representative of the analytical range. The results were within the established standard deviations. Samples were spiked with known concentrations of chromium with recoveries ranging from 84 to 122 percent. In addition, a comparison of data between graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry and direct-current plasma atomic emission spectrometry resulted in suitable agreement between the two methods, with an average deviation of +/- 2.0 microg/L throughout the analytical range.

Publication Year 1993
Title Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory-Determination of chromium in water by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry
DOI 10.3133/ofr93449
Authors B.J. McLain
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 93-449
Index ID ofr93449
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization National Water Quality Laboratory
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