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Metals Testing by atomic absorption

I would like to know: What atomic absorption systems [on eBay or Amazon] are required in the finishing industry ( for example a flame A.A.). Are Metals tested for parts per million before and after use?
Is mercury used in these processes? How is disposal of waste handled?
Is waste stream disposal governed by state and local agencies?

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thank you in advance, Duane C. Standish

Duane C. Standish
atomic absorption specialists - Littleton, Colorado
2003

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That's a lot of info for free you're asking for, but I'll give it a short stab. I'm assuming you are looking at waste treatment applications.

Typically, you're looking at ppm levels of metals, and generally after the waste treatment process. A flame AA is common, though you might run across AA-ICP.

You will not usually come across Hg in this industry. Yes, the waste is HIGHLY regulated, both the discharge to the POTW (covered by the NPDES or other discharge permit for the water), and the solid sludge (as an F006 hazardous waste). Not all treatment systems generate sludge, but the most common ones do.

If you've got a client, I would suggest you visit them and get a feel for their operation. Otherwise, if you're looking for general info, the EPA has a lot of documentation on metal finishing wastes, treatment methods, and analysis methods.

James Totter, CEF
- Tallahassee, Florida
2003

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2003

1) Flame AA is almost always sufficient for metal finishers who typically are not interested in detecting levels of metals below 1 ppm. Metal finishers typically want to know levels of metals in waste water effluent before and after treatment. They also use an AA for checking metal contaminants in process baths.
2) Mercury? Maybe, but I can't think of any examples.
3) The disposal of waste question is too open-ended to answer simply other than to say that it must be done according to federal or state regulations. Exactly which disposal methods apply depend on what kind of waste it is.
4) Waste effluent limitations are federally regulated. In addition, there will be regulations, usually from the city, that may be more stringent. Each facility that discharges to a POTW, such as a city-owned treatment plant, will have a discharge permit that will detail the effluent limitations that apply to that facility.

Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
GOAD Company

Independence, Missouri