Application of Flow Injection Analysis to the Determination of Germanium

Abstract

A rapid and simple flow injection analysis for the determination of germanium (Ge) is described. Ge is reacted with phenylfluorone in a mixing coil (0.5 mm i.d.×300 cm) at 40°C, and the developed color is measured at 508 nm. The calibration graph is linear over the concentration range of 0.04-10 μg ml^-1 (2-500 ng). Interference by various foreign substances, amino acids and vitamins, was investigated. Satisfactory results were obtained by the proposed method. The method was applied to a commercially available Ge-containing health beverage.