A Study on the Interference Mechanism in Atomic Absorption Analysis

Abstract

On 20 elements-Na, K, Mg, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Al, Si, Sn, Pb, and Bi-which were determinable by atomic absorption analysis in steel-making, the interference mechanism by Al and Sr in air-C₂H₂ flame and N₂O-C₂H₂ flame was discussed.
Of those elements, 6 elements-Mg, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, and Mo-were appreciably interfered with by Al and Sr in some flames. The interferences in Mg, Ca, and Cr could be explained by chemical interferences in air-C₂H₂ flame. It was suggested that Ti, V and Mo were also interfered with chemically in N₂O-C₂H₂ flame, but their interference mechanisms might be complicated and influenced by the presence of anions.