AAS - A Tool for Monitoring Trace Metals in Environment

Rapid industrialisation coupled with geochemical alter-ations posed a major threat to environment. Pollution of air, soil and water with both organics and inorganics is
a matter of great concern, however, the non-degradable persistent trace metals are the most pressing problems of present decade. They are the most insidious pollutants
because of their non-biodegradable nature and property to effect all forms of ecological systems. Owing to their toxicity and ill-effects on living being the present day scientists and researchers have developed interest in the amounts, origin and fate of certain elements. For example
certain trace elements such as cadmium, chromium, mercury,
lead and vanadium are of great concern because of their toxic effects on plants, animals and humans. Essential trace elements, such as chromium, vanadium, manganese. iron, cobalt, copper and zinc are indispensible for the growth and survival of mankind. From the point of view of toxicity metals can be classified according to the following three criteria: non-critical, toxic and very toxic. Classification of elements according to toxicity and availability is given in Table-1. The impact of heavy metal contamination in biosphere is slowly being reco-gnised as a potential Health Hazard not only to human beings but almost all the major industries are also affected by trace elements imbalances. For instance the presence of silica in boiler feed water at 30 to 1000 ppm level leads to appearance of scale forming silicates which reduces the heat transfer from boiler.