J. L. BURGUERA and M. BURGUERA
The use of FI methods to extend the capabilities of atomic spectrometric detectors is discussed with emphasis on developments in automation. Topics such as direct sample introduction and on-line dilution, calibration, dissolution, liquid–liquid extraction, precipitation reactions, ion-exchange preconcentration, generation of volatile species and microwave sample pre-treatment are used to illustrate the versatility of coupling FI with either FAAS, ETAAS, ICP-AES, ICP-MS and/or AFS. Finally a brief overview of the advances in this research field is presented.