MAK Commission: Nickel - Method for the determination of nickel and its compounds in workplace air using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) after high-pressure microwave digestion
Air Monitoring Method
This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of nickel [7440-02-0] and nickel compounds in workplace air after personal or stationary sampling. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a quartz fibre filter using a suitable flow-regulated pump. After high-pressure microwave digestion, the respirable and inhalable fraction of nickel retained on the filter is analysed using an atomic absorption spectrometer with the graphite furnace technique. The relative limit of quantification (LOQ) is 0.098 μg nickel/m³ for an air sample volume of 1.2 m³. Sampling is performed over 2 h at flow rate of 10 l/min, a measurement solution volume of 25 ml and an injection volume of 20 μl. It is not possible to differentiate between the individual nickel compounds. The mean recovery for nickel was 87%. The concentration-dependent expanded uncertainty was between 25% and 26% and the concentration-dependent uncertainty for the determination of nickel in the inhalable fraction was 25 to 26%, too. This analytical method has been accredited by the accident insurance companies for the detection in workplace air of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. This method has been tested and recommended for the determination of nickel in work areas by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). Both personal and stationary sampling can be performed for measurements in order to evaluate work areas.
Bibliographic information
Title: MAK Commission: Nickel - Method for the determination of nickel and its compounds in workplace air using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) after high-pressure microwave digestion. Air Monitoring Method
in: The MAK Collection for Occupational Health and Safety, Vol 7, No 4, 2022. pages: 1-11, DOI: 10.34865/am744002e7_4or