Abstract
Multielement analysis of flue gas residues from secondary lead smelting was tested using seven decomposition methods on four different flue gas residues and certified reference materials (CRM) CPB-2 (Pb concentrate, CCRMP). The studied samples contained both silicates and also high contents of phases with Pb, primarily Pb chlorides and sulphates.
Solutions prepared by various decomposition methods were analysed using ICP OES (Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, Zn). Greater yields were found for most of the elements by combined decomposition (with fusion) and decomposition by sintering.
Nonetheless, both methods exhibited major losses of volatile elements (As, Bi, Sb, Tl). Thus, one of these methods must always be combined with a method of decomposition in a closed system.
The work also demonstrates that, for investigation of untraditional waste geological materials (e.g. flue residues from high-temperature industrial processes), it will be necessary in the future to produce new certified reference materials with anomalous chemical and mineralogical compositions, which are not currently available on the market.