Types of spectral interferences:
While a quantitative analysis using a standard calibration curve is carried out, the calibration plot of emission intensity vs concentration of the ionic species of interest is plotted. Like a curve shows deviations at the low and high concentration ends.
The following categories of spectral interferences might affect the accuracy of flame photometric determinations:
- The first category of interference arises when two elements exhibit spectra, that partially overlap, and both emit radiation at a few particular wavelengths.
- The second category of spectral interference deals with spectral lines of two or more elements that are close but their spectra do not overlap.
- A third category of spectral interference occurs due to the presence of continuous background which arises because of high concentration of salts in the sample.