Multicomponent techniques in sequential injection

Abstract

The application of multicomponent techniques in sequential injection analysis is considered. Such a scarcely selective chromogenic reagent as 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol allowed the simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of Ca and Mg in environmental samples. The process was carried out in a fully automated fashion by using a personal microcomputer running software for instrumental control and data acquisition and processing. The ensuing method features a linear determination range of 1–20 and 2–40 mg l^–1 for magnesium and calcium, respectively, and a sample throughput of 60 h^–1. The results are compared with those provided by batch and flow injection methodology.