Abstract: A method for the determination of trace elements in 5 kinds of traditional Chinese medicines by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry(GFAAS) is described. The matrix modifier used in this work was Ni(NO₃)₂. The e ffects　of matrix quantity, ashing temperature and atomization temperature were investigated. The matrix modifier Ni(NO₃)₂ can not only impro ve the sensitivity of determination, but also eliminate the interference of foreign ions. Under the optimum experimental conditions, cadmium, lead, germanium and arsenium in traditional Chinese medicines such as cortex fraxini, flos sophorae, herba epimedii, radix acanthopanacis and radix scutellarae were determined. The recoveries are between 90% and 110%, the relative standard deviation is less than 8%. This method is rapid and reliable. It is a simple method for the determination of trace elements in traditional Chinese medicines.

Key words: graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, traditional Chinese m edicine, trace elements, matrix modifier