samples into the dynamic range of the specific analyte. GFAAS with automatic software can also pre-dilute samples before analysis. After the instrument has warmed up and been calibrated, a small aliquot (usually less than 100 microliters (µL) and typically 20 µL) is placed, either manually or through an automated sampler, into the opening in the graphite tube. The sample is vaporized in the heated graphite tube; the amount of light energy absorbed in the vapor is proportional to atomic concentrations. Analysis of each sample takes from 1 to 5 minutes, and the results for a sample is the average of triplicate analysis. Faster graphite furnace techniques have been developed utilising the injection of samples into a pre-heated graphite tube. Standards ASTM E1184-10: "Standard Practice for Determination of Elements by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry." ASTM D3919-08: "Standard Practice for Measuring Trace Elements in Water by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry." ASTM D6357-11: "Test Methods for Determination of Trace Elements in Coal, Coke, & Combustion Residues from Coal Utilization Processes by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass, & Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry." References EPA Analytic Technology Encyclopedia Research Group of Atomic Spectrometry See also Atomic absorption spectroscopy Absorption spectroscopy