Abstract: Objective To establish a method for determining bismuth telluride in workplace environment by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Methods Microporous membrane samples were prepared using bismuth telluride standard material and measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy at a wavelength of 223.06 nm using an external standard method. Results There was a good linear relationship within the range of 0-20 μg/mL,with a correlation coefficient(r) of 0.999 5. The detection limit of the method was 0.03 μg/mL. Based on the collection of 75 L of air samples,the lowest detectable concentration was 0.008 mg/m³,and the recovery rate was between 95.9% and 104.8%,with a relative standard deviation of <5%. Conclusion This method uses low toxicity bismuth instead of toxic tellurium for detection,reducing the risk of poisoning for experimental personnel and avoiding interference from coexisting tellurides at the sampling site. The linear range is more in line with occupational exposure limits than the current national standard. No need to use expensive inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for widespread application. High sensitivity,good accuracy,and no difference compared to current national standard methods can be used for the detection of bismuth telluride in workplace environments.

Key words: Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, Bismuth telluride, Bismuth, Workplace environment