Statistical appraisal of interference effects in the determination of trace elements by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry in applied geochemistry
Abstract
Interference effects in the determination of trace elements by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry in applied geochemistry have been studied by a statistical appraisal and described in terms of a simple two-parameter mathematical model. The experimental design incorporated features that would allow possible deviations from the model to be detected, but no serious deviations were detected except in a deliberately chosen example. The study led to the identification of some important interference effects that could affect interpretation of geochemical data and also provided a formula that could be applied to correct the crude results.