Conclusions of Analysis Using ICP-OES-FIA

Automation is especially advantageous if a large number of samples need to be analysed on a routine basis. There is little doubt that sample introduction using flow injection is superior to other solvent delivery techniques. Analysis using flow injection techniques with ICP-OES offers a number of advantages  

The technique improves the analysis for most metals in most sample solutions in terms of precision of results, ease of sample handling, less physical interference, higher sample throughput and versatility towards physical and chemical properties of reagents. The technique allows several elements to be measured at the same time using a simultaneous CCD. Disadvantages are loss of sensitivity compared with continuous nebulisation and may not be suitable where high salt contents are present in solutions. 

Many examples are known where the FIA technique is used for sample transport only and an example of this is where sample contains a concentration of interfering matrices. These samples can be injected in very small volumes (10 to 100 pi) into a carrier stream to minimise these interferences due to excessive dilution. Standard addition and internal standard methods can equally be applied to FIA techniques to reduce matrix, spectral and other potential interfering effects. Ion exchange columns connected in the sample feed 

---