Direct determination of metals in oils by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry using high temperature nebulization

A method is described wherein a Babington V-groove nebulizer and heated spray chamber is utilized to nebulize edible oil and lubricating oil directly into an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) to determine the metal concentrations in the oils by ICP atomic emission spectrometry. Factors influencing the attainment of a maximum analytical signal are discussed. Both the methods of standard additions and normal calibration were used and calibration curves were linear in the range 0-10 μg g-1 for Fe, Cu, Cr, Ti, Al, Ni, Mg, Ag and Na. The following detection limits are reported: Fe, 0.032; Cu, 0.069; Cr, 0.051; Ti, 0.045; Al, 0.328; Ni, 0.131; Mg, 0.003; and Ag, 0.077 μg g -1.