Chemico-analytical selectivity and sensitivity in atomic-absorption flame photometry

Abstract

Summary Practical applications of atomic-absorption flame photometry should be established on the basis of the attainable analytical characteristics of the method both from the instrumental and chemical point of view. Main characteristics involved are sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and precision. The first two are discussed in this contributon. Sensitivity and selectivity depend on the analytical system (analyte or analytes, and concomitant components, i.e., chemical composition of the system subject to analytical determinations) and on the instrumental system. Factors involved are discussed and illustrated with examples based on experimental data. Lack of chemical and/or instrumental selectivity immediately affects sensitivity. Sensitivity changes can disturb accuracy and precision in determinations. In order to avoid this situation some operational ways of increasing selectivity are described and are correlated with effects in atomic-absorption sensitivity.