A study of some matrix effects in the determination of beryllium by atomic-absorption spectroscopy in the nitrous oxide-acetylene flame

A study has been made of a number of interferences observed in the trace determination of beryllium by atomic-absorption in the nitrous oxide-acetylene flame. The major negative interference caused by the presence of excess of aluminium salts may be overcome by the use of 8-hydroxyquinoline. Magnesium and silicon also depress the Be signal, but most other metals cause enhancement. In most instances the enhancements may be made uniform by the addition of potassium ions to the sample solution.