Use of diode-array detectors for the simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of calcium and magnesium by flow injection

A method for the simultaneous flow injection spectrophotometric determination of calcium and magnesium with Arsenazo III based on the use of diode-array detector and merging zones is described. The method is applicable to the resolution of mixtures in which the chromogenic reagent has a high absorbance and its spectrum strongly overlaps those of its complexes. In resolving the mixtures, the excess reagent is considered as another component. Quantitation is based on the normal absorbance and first-derivative absorbance spectra. The method is applied to 0.2–1.5 μg ml^?1 Ca and 0.1–1.0 μg ml^?1 Mg. The analysis rate is 50 h^?1.