Hydride generation AAS
HG AAS is applied namely for determination of trace amounts of As, Se (Te, Sb, Ge, Sn, Pb...)
the gaseous hydride of the analyte (e.g. AsH3 or H2Se) is formed from the corresponding
compound of the analyte (H3AsO3 or H2SeO3) by reducing reaction with NaBH4 (“sodium
borohydride”); the reaction takes place in a hydride generator, gaseous products are
delivered to the atomizer (usually a heated quartz tube)
the technique is by 2-3 orders of magnitude more sensitive than F AAS
as a consequence of analyte transfer into gaseous phase most of interferences are
eliminated (namely those manifested on analytical lines of As and Se that are located in
the region of wavelength 200 nm).