Lead Detection Using Flame AA Spectroscopy

Identify the main components of the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy system including the gas tank, airline, water bottle with sipper tube, light sources (lead lamp), burner, and detector connected to the computer. Explain that the lead lamp is already on and warmed up for lead detection.

Light the burner to create the flame and allow it to stabilize. Draw up water through the burner to establish proper sample introduction, then switch to Millipore water to keep the system clean and prepare for blanking.

Run deionized water through the system to set the instrument zero baseline. This balances the flame and prepares the detector for absorbance measurements.

Run the four calibration standards (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/L lead solutions) sequentially through the instrument. The system measures absorbance for each concentration and automatically generates a calibration curve plotting concentration versus absorbance.

Introduce the first unknown environmental sample from the north side group into the flame AA spectroscopy system. Observe the visible color change in the flame indicating the presence of lead, and record the absorbance measurement.

Wipe down the outside of the syringe with a cleaning solution and prepare it for the next sample. Introduce the second unknown environmental sample from Wesley Sutra's group into the flame AA system.

Observe the dramatic orange color change in the flame during analysis of the second sample, indicating a high concentration of lead. The system measures and records the absorbance value for this sample.