Atomic emission spectrophotometry interferences

First the responses Rq are measured for the sample. Thereafter K is determined by fitting the changes in the concentrations of the analytes in the sample, brought about by the standard additions, to the changes in the responses. Once all elements in the calibration matrix, K, have been determined, the concentration vector of the analytes in the sample is calculated. The method has been successfully applied to absorption spectrophotometry , anodic stripping voltametry and ICP-atomic emission spectrophotometry Attractive features of the method are that automation is very easy and automatic drift compensation is possible . A drawback is that all interferents should be known and be corrected for. 

BeryUium aUoys ate usuaUy analyzed by optical emission or atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Low voltage spark emission spectrometry is used for the analysis of most copper-beryUium aUoys. Spectral interferences, other inter-element effects, metaUurgical effects, and sample inhomogeneity can degrade accuracy and precision and must be considered when constmcting a method (17). 

One often unsuspected source of error can arise from interference by the substances originating in the sample which are present in addition to the analyte, and which are collectively termed the matrix. The matrix components could enhance, diminish or have no effect on the measured reading, when present within the normal range of concentrations. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry is particularly susceptible to this type of interference, especially with electrothermal atomization. Flame AAS may also be affected by the flame emission or absorption spectrum, even using ac modulated hollow cathode lamp emission and detection (Faithfull, 1971b, 1975). 

However, sodium may be determined also by atomic absorption spectrophotometry using emission mode. Calcium does not normally interfere in this technique. 

Compare flame emission and atomic absorption spectrophotometry with respect to instrumentation, sensitivity, and interferences. 

Calcium may be determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. This technique has been used for the estimation of calcium in biological fluids and agricultural materials. It is a speedy method, superior to the more tedious chemical determination by oxalate precipitation and more specific than the EDTA titration method. The accuracy is of the order of 2 per cent and sensitivity limits have been reported at 0 08 to 1 p.p.m. of calcium in solution. The interference problems are very similar to those experienced with the emission method although not quite so formidable. 

Several different methods have been utilized for measuring iron in these biological samples. However, spectrophotometry is the most widely used because it does not require unusual equipment and is readily amenable to automation. Atomic absorption spectrometry is effectively used for tissue and urine analyses [33-35], but unreliable results are obtained with serum due to sensitivity limitations as well as matrix and hemoglobin interferences [35]. Other methods utilizing inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy [36], coulometry [37], proton induced X-ray emission [38], neutron activation analysis [39], radiative energy attenuation [40], and radiometry with Fe [41] have been described but, with the exception of coulometry, have not become standard procedures in the clinical chemistry laboratory, inasmuch as sophisticated and expensive instrumentation is required in some instances. However, some of them, e.g., neutron activation, may be the method of choice for definitive accurate analysis. 

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