The development of a semi-automated batch HG-AFS method for the shipboard determination of As(III), As(V), MMA and DMA is described. Procedures in the analytical sequence including addition of NaBH4 to samples, cooling and heating the U-trap used for pre-concentration and separation of the arsines, and logging the AFS output are automated. Overall control of the automated tasks into a logical analytical sequence is achieved using a commercially available data acquisition and control package, WORKBENCHMAC(TM). Further modifications required for the method to be adapted to shipboard use, including the use of a hydrogen generator, are also detailed.This method shows a number of advantages over a previously reported manual HG-AFS method including, shorter sample throughput time, increased precision and most significantly, ease of use under shipboard conditions.The semi-automated method was operated on the RSV Aurora Australis during a Southern Ocean voyage in March 1998. Arsenic measurements from a surface transect between 42° and 55°S along 141°30' E, are presented. Application of the method to more routine laboratory use is also discussed. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Chemical Sciences
Research Group:	Analytical Chemistry
Research Field:	Analytical Spectrometry
Objective Division:	Environment
Objective Group:	Other Environment
Objective Field:	Environment not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Featherstone, AM (Dr Alison Featherstone)
UTAS Author:	O'Grady, BV (Dr Barry O'Grady)
ID Code:	20272
Year Published:	2000
Web of Science® Times Cited:	19
Deposited By:	Chemistry
Deposited On:	2000-08-01
Last Modified:	2011-08-04
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