Methods offered by ASTM, will test the student’s ability to follow an industrial standard method.  Suggested standard methods include:

• E1613-94 Standard Test Method for Analysis of Digested Samples for Lead by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Flame Atomic Absorption (FAAS), or Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption (GFAAS) Techniques. This test method is intended for use with digested samples that were collected originally during the abatement of lead hazards from buildings and related structures. It covers the determination of lead in sample digestates (for example, digested paint, soil, dust, and airborne particulate) using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) techniques. It is a good introduction to the use of AA methods without the difficulties introduced by more complex samples.
• D3237-97 Standard Test Method for Lead In Gasoline By Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. This test method covers the determination of the total lead content of gasoline within the concentration range of 0.010 to 0.10 g of lead/U.S. gal (2.5 to 25 mg/L). The method compensates for variations in gasoline composition and is independent of lead alkyl type. The method incorporates extensive sample preparation but the analysis by AA is relatively simple.
• E1770-95 Standard Practice for Optimization of Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Equipment and/or E1184-98 Standard Practice for Electrothermal (Graphite Furnace) Atomic Absorption Analysis. These practices cover a procedure for the determination of microgram per millilitre (ug/mL) or lower concentrations of elements in solution using an electrothermal atomization device attached to an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A general description of the equipment is provided. Recommendations are made for preparing the instrument for measurements, establishing optimum temperature conditions and other criteria which should result in determining a useful calibration concentration range, and measuring and calculating the test solution analyte concentration.
• D3223-95 Standard Test Method for Total Mercury in Water (Cold-vapor AA). This test method covers the determination of total mercury in water in the range from 0.5 to 10.0 ug Hg/L. The test method is applicable to fresh waters, saline waters, and some industrial and sewage effluents. The cold vapor atomic absorption measurement portion of this method is applicable to the analysis of materials other than water (sediments, biological materials, tissues, etc.) if an initial procedure for digesting and oxidizing the sample is carried out, ensuring that the mercury in the sample is converted to the mercuric ion, and is dissolved in aqueous media. Both organic and inorganic mercury compounds may be determined by this procedure if they are first converted to mercuric ions. Using potassium persulfate and potassium permanganate as oxidants, and a digestion temperature of 95°C, approximately 100% recovery of organomercury compounds can be obtained.

 
Experiments using AA at academic sites on the WWW include:

• Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (PDF) from the California State University - Northridge. This is a simple experiment involving the determination of calcium and magnesium in an artifically-prepared aqueous sample. It provides a good introduction to the operation of the atomic absorption spectrometer. A local copy of the PDF file is here.
• Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (PDF) from the California State University - Northridge. This experiment involves both sample preparation and analysis using an electrothermal atomizer. Wheat flour is digested using sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide and the manganese concentration is then determined using electrothermal AA. A local copy of the PDF file is here.
• Effect of Instrumental Variables on Measurement - Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (PDF) from Hood College, Frederick, MD. This is an advanced experiment intended to illustrate the influence of wavelength, slit width, flame stoichiometry, and absorption pathlength (burner geometry) on the sensitivity and noise in an AA measurement using copper and potassium. A local copy of the PDF file is here.