Determination of As, Hg, Pb and Zr in Pyrotechnic Compositions by ICP-OES

Fireworks produce spectacular visual effects through the combustion and explosion of pyrotechnic compositions, which are made up of oxidizers, fuels, colorants and binders. To improve safety and environmental protection, the Chinese national standard GB 10631-2013 prohibits the use of arsenic, mercury compounds and zirconium powder in pyrotechnic compositions of all firework products, and lead compounds in specific categories. Currently, the testing methods in GB/T 21242 are qualitative and often suffer from matrix interference. This study aims to establish an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method for the rapid and accurate quantitative detection of prohibited components in pyrotechnic compositions, as the application of ICP-OES in fireworks quality control has not been explored previously. The research successfully developed an ICP-OES method. Analytical-grade reagents and standard solutions were used, and the ICP-OES operating conditions were optimized. Specific analytical lines (As 189.042 nm, Hg 194.227 nm, Pb 220.353 nm, Zr 343.823 nm) were selected to avoid interference. Different sample preparation methods were applied to effect charge and bursting charge. The calibration curves showed good linearity (correlation coefficients ≥ 0.9990), with low detection limits (0.013-0.031 μg/mL). Interference analysis confirmed negligible inter-element and matrix interference. Precision tests showed relative standard deviations of 1.64% -2.71%, and accuracy tests had recovery rates of 98.5% -101%. The established ICP-OES method enables the simultaneous determination of arsenic, lead, mercury, and zirconium in pretreated pyrotechnic compositions. With its simplicity, rapidity, low detection limits, and high precision and accuracy, this method provides a reliable approach for the quantitative analysis of prohibited components in fireworks, contributing to the quality control of fireworks products.