Determination of trace tin by continuous flow hydride generation laser induced fluorescence spectrometry.

The trace level measurement of tin (Sn) by continuous hydride generation (HG) coupled with laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection has been investigated. The Sn fluorescence line with the best signal to noise ratio has been determined from Sn fluorescence lines at 300.914 nm, 317.505 nm, and 380.500 nm. The best signal was observed at 317.505 nm. The limit of detection was 0.03 ng Sn ml(-1) for the optimized hydride generation conditions of 2.0% sodium borohydride in 0.4% sodium hydroxide and 0.55 M hydrochloric acid. Method repeatability was in the 2.0-3.5 % R.S.D. range. The analytical utility of this method was evaluated by analysis of a water reference material (1643e Trace Elements in Water, NIST) and a multivitamin supplement. The results demonstrate that a small tunable laser system combined with hydride generation sample introduction can be used to measure Sn with high sensitivity, precision and selectivity in various matrices.