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This thesis is concerned with analytical studies on the trace analytes barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, vanadium and zinc, present in high purity and highly complex matrices. The technique utilises activated alumina microcolumns in a flow injection (FI) system, to perform analyte enrichment and matrix removal. The analytes, after retention on the microcolumn are subsequently eluted and quantified by inductively coupled plasma-emission spectrometry (ICP-ES).Initial studies focus on trace analytes in caesium iodide, however a selection of the alkali metal salts, lithium nitrate, potassium bromide, sodium fluoride and sodium chloride, are investigated. New methodology for the ultratrace determination of high purity alkali metal salts is thus provided. The microcolumn enrichment technique with ICP-ES detection is robust, utilises limited sample handling and simultaneously preconcentrates and separates the analytes from matrix components. Hence possible matrix interferences are eliminated and limits of detection are significantly improved, in comparison to conventional ICP-ES analysis. A technique for the determination of the total content of eleven trace analytes present in natural waters (mineral, reservoir), using microcolumns of activated alumina in a FI-ICP-ES is investigated. The use of the complexing agent tartaric acid is shown to be effective in improving analyte retention. The procedure is successfully applied to determination of these analytes in a certified river water reference material (SLRS-1). Due to low retention and elution efficiencies, the total content of the analytes Fe and V present in Buxton, Redmires and Langsett samples could not be accurately determined by this technique. Activated alumina microcolumns are utilised as a new field sampling tools. Samples are collected in the field and processed through the alumina microcolumns for the effective retention of desired analytes. Hence, an alumina microcolumn sampling stage to effect concentration and isolation prior to analytical measurement is at the core of the investigation. The overall aim is to extend the application of alumina microcolumns, and in particular to provide a new multi-element field sampling device, which gives high sample integrity and preconcentration.

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