Examination of interferences in flame atomic absorption spectrometry using a flow injection technique

Interference effects were examined in FAAS by means of specific measurement of flow injection peaks. In each given case, a single Fl peak was examined - those parameters which define the inflexion points were measured. Parameters characterising a common region of two parts of a double FI peak were also taken into consideration. The interferences were studied using the example of tested samples containing calcium in the presence of aluminium and phosphates. It was revealed that the parameters considered can be measured with very good precision allowing one to detect even slight peak deformations caused by intereferences. Among the approaches applied, one using a double peak appeared to be most sensitive and reliable. It has been also noticed that the inflexion points of an FI peak may play a special role in the interference examinations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.