Atomic absorption spectrometry (
AAS) is an
analytical technique that measures the
concentrations of elements. Atomic absorption is so
sensitive that it can measure down to parts per billion
of a gram (μg dm–3) in a sample. The technique
makes use of the wavelengths of light specifically
absorbed by an element. They correspond to the
energies needed to promote electrons from one
energy level to another, higher, energy level.
Atomic absorption spectrometry has many uses in
different areas of chemistry.
Clinical analysis. Analysing metals in biological
fluids such as blood and urine.
Environmental analysis. Monitoring our
environment – eg finding out the levels of various
elements in rivers, seawater, drinking water, air,
petrol and drinks such as wine, beer and fruit drinks.
Pharmaceuticals. In some pharmaceutical
manufacturing processes, minute quantities of a
catalyst used in the process (usually a metal) are
sometimes present in the final product. By using
AAS the amount of catalyst present can be
determined.
Industry. Many raw materials are examined and
AAS is widely used to check that the major elements
are present and that toxic impurities are lower than
specified – eg in concrete, where calcium is a major
constituent, the lead level should be low because it is
toxic.
Mining. By using
AAS the amount of metals such as
gold in rocks can be determined to see whether it is
worth mining the rocks to extract the gold.