Simultaneous multi-channel hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry determination of arsenic, bismuth, tellurium and selenium in tea leaves

A novel, rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous multi-channel hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) determination of total arsenic (As), total bismuth (Bi), total tellurium (Te) and total selenium (Se) in tea leaves was proposed. The operating parameters of self-made multi-channel HG-AFS were optimised, including negative high voltage of photo multiplier tube (PMT), the flow rates of carrier and shield gas, observation height and lamp currents. The conditions of hydride generation for As, Bi, Te and Se were studied in details. Under optimal conditions, the method detection limits (MDL) for As, Bi, Te and Se in tea leaves were 0.0152 μg g−1, 0.0080 μg g−1, 0.0022 μg g−1 and 0.0068 μg g−1, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of As, Bi, Te and Se in various tea leaves and the spike recoveries were in the range of 90–103%. The accuracy of method was validated by analysing a tea certified reference material. The obtained values were consistent with the certified ones.