Determination of low levels of platinum group metals: New solutions

A new rapid sample preparation scheme for the determination of low levels of platinum metals (PMs) has been proposed. The technique includes, microwave dissolution of samples followed by dynamic sorption preconcentration of the PMs on a polystyrene based sorbent containing diethylenetriamine groups. Non-equilibrium dynamic conditions allowed simultaneously and nearly quantitative recovery of all the PMs in the presence of a 10(6)-10(7) excess of matrix elements. Metals were determined in slurries of concentrates by Zeeman electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. A good agreement between the results obtained and the certified values was demonstrated. The relative standard deviation is generally 0.05. Detection limits obtained were 10(-6)-10(-7)%.