Determination of silver, lead and bismuth in glasses by atomic-absorption spectrometry with introduction of solid samples into furnaces

Atomic-absorption spectrometry with an induction or resistively heated furnace has been used for the determination of 0.007–22 µg g–1 of silver, 1.5–40 µg g–1 of lead and 0.02–15 µg g–1 of bismuth in 0.1–10-mg samples of standard, forensic, archaeological and ancient stained glass added directly to the furnace. Calibration graphs of peak area versus the mass of trace element have been constructed by using NBS standard glasses for silver and lead and standard solutions of bismuth nitrate. Information is presented on the accuracy and precision of the method for 9–29 glasses depending on the element under investigation. The limits of detection are silver 0.004, lead 0.014 and bismuth 0.02 µg g–1. The significance of the results is described with particular reference to forensic work and stained glasses.