Application of Atomic Spectrometric Methods Coupled with Gas Chromatography for Geochemical Exploration

This paper presents a scheme of analysis for bottom sediments based on inductively coupled plasma-atomic fluorescence spectrometry and arc discharge atomic emission spectrometry combined with instrumental pyrolysis and gas chromatographic methods (head space analysis) for determining organic matter. The experimental investigation was performed on bottom sediments of the Kuybyshev and Ivankovo reservoirs on the Volga River, used as a drinking water supply. The selective sample dissolution method followed by the inductively coupled plasma-atomic fluorescence spectrometry liquid phase analysis and the arc discharge atomic emission spectrometry solid phase analysis was used to obtain quantitative information on heavy metal speciation in bottom sediments. In the present work we have taken the direct extraction scheme for analysis. It is shown that the proposed combination of instrumental methods is highly effective for revealing natural and anthropogenic components in the composition of organic matter, for conducting preliminary estimation of the binding of heavy metals with organic matter and for assessing activity of organic matter biochemical transformation. The proposed approach enlarges the capabilities for prediction and modelling of the processes in environmental-geochemical investigations.