On-line continuous generation of zinc chelates in the vapor phase by reaction with sodium dithiocarbamates and determination by atomic fluorescence spectrometry

An acidified sample and a Na-DDTC solution were separately and continuously pumped into a 3-way glass connector and mixed; then, the mixture was introduced into the frit-based gas-liquid separator. The volatile zinc chelate was separated by the carrier argon gas from the mixture by bubbling. Meanwhile, the waste was immediately removed using another peristaltic pump. The volatile zinc chelate in carrier argon flowed into a three-way Y-shaped connector, where it was mixed with hydrogen from the hydrogen generator and then fed into the atomizer of the AFS to determine the fluorescence signal of zinc.60