Determination of cadmium in paint samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with optical temperature control

A graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) method with optical temperature control for the determination of trace cadmium in paint samples is described. Optical temperature control was superior in many respects to current temperature control. The sensibility increased by 60%, the linear range widened by 60%, and the life of graphite tube showed a 200–300% increase because atomization temperature was lowered distinctly and atomization time was shortened. Use of lanthanum chloride as a matrix modifier was investigated. The linear range of calibration curve was 0–24 ng mL−1. The detection limit was 9.6 ng L−1. The characteristic mass was 3.0 pg. The method also resulted in excellent reproducibility (≤2.5% R.S.D.) at such low levels, and the recovery of added cadmium in paint samples was from 94.6% to 102%. This method is readily applicable to the determination of cadmium in paint samples.