Radiometric trace analysis quantitative paper chromatography of lead with phosphate-32P

Abstract

A method is described for the selective determination of lead in paper chromatograms, down to 1 μg (standard deviation 11%). After development and drying, the lead spot is sprayed with a Na2H32PO4 solution and dried. Excess reagent and alkaline earth phosphates are eluted with a borax—oxalate buffer of p 8.0. Eventually, the radio-activity of the lead spot is measured. The filter paper renders the method about 40 times more sensitive than existing radiometric techniques with phosphate-32P. The method can be modified for the simultaneous determination of many cations.