Analysis of Manganese (Mn) Levels in Barite Minerals by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Abstract

This research was carried out in two locations, namely the research laboratory at FMIPA UNY for sample decomposition, and absorbance measurements using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry were conducted in the analytical chemistry laboratory at FMIPA UGM. The aim of this research was to determine the percentage of manganese content in barite minerals from the Plampang, Kokap, Kulonprogo area. It employed a quantitative and qualitative research approach (mixed methods). The research subjects comprised three types of barite rocks collected from the hamlets of Plampang, Kokap, and Kulonprogo. The research objective was to determine the manganese content in these barite rocks. Barite rock decomposition was achieved using aqua regia. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method, with absorbance measured at a wavelength of 279.6 nm. The standard solution utilized was prepared from Mn(NO3)2·4H2O crystals dissolved in water. The manganese content in stone A was determined to be (0.2573 ± 0.1488)%, while no detectable manganese content was found in stone B. Stone C exhibited a manganese content of (0.6371 ± 0.0975)%.