Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES): Alternative Spectroscopy Method for Heavy Metals Analysis in Water

Nor Laili -Azua Jamari; Nurul Husna Mohd Firdaus

doi:10.37934/ard.118.1.19

Authors

Nor Laili -Azua Jamari Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kem Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Nurul Husna Mohd Firdaus Faculty of Applied Science, University Technology MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37934/ard.118.1.19

Keywords:

MP-AES, heavy metals, lake water, tap water

Abstract

Water is one of the necessities in our daily life, yet its pollution poses risks to human and ecological well-being. In this study, the presence of eight heavy metals in samples collected from two lakes and five tap water sources were investigated using microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES). Utilizing an alternative spectroscopy method, MP-AES able to achieve detection limits in the sub-parts per billion (ppb) level. Analysis of the water samples revealed that all eight metals were detected within a concentration range, from undetectable levels up to 0.93 mg/L. Moreover, the recovery on sample spike demonstrated an acceptable range of 107-114 %. These findings underscore the potential of MP-AES as a promising method for the analysis of heavy metals in water, offering valuable insights for water quality assessment and management.