Excitation and analytical characteristics of an ethanol loaded U-shaped arc

The effect of the ethanol load on the discharge and analytical parameters of an argon stabilised U-shaped DC arc has been recorded. Measurements of the radial distribution of the apparent temperatures and the electron number density of the DC plasma showed that ethanol addition causes a decrease in both plasma parameters. The changes in the plasma characteristics, as well as in transport and atomisation processes of the analyte cause a general change in the spectral line intensities, which depends on the physical characteristics of the analyte and the quantity of ethanol loaded into the plasma. Improved detection limits were obtained for V and Mn when a 10 % (v/v) water ethanol solution was nebulized into the plasma.