Recent developments in the determination of gold by atomic spectrometry techniques

Determination of gold in different kinds of samples is often a challenging task for analysts. Its concentration is usually very low and the sample matrix may cause serious interferences during measurement. Therefore, preconcentration and separation methods should be used to solve these problems and render more sensitive, accurate and interference-free determination. The recent developments in sample treatment, such as liquid and solid phase extraction, coprecipitation and electrodeposition, are presented. In addition, important extension and improvements in atomic spectrometry techniques - mainly electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, are discussed.