Investigation of aluminum interferences using the stabilized temperature platform furnace

Al was determined in the stabilized temperature platform furnace with very few interferences. No interferences were found for several metal nitrates, sulfates or phosphates, or for NaCl. The Al absorbance signal was delayed in the presence of MgCl₂ but there was no interference. This led to the use of 50 μg Mg(NO₃)₂ as a matrix modifier for Al. There were no interferences for CaCl₂ but it was particularly important to use new pyrolytically coated tubes to avoid “aging” effects. CuCl₂ provided a very persistent interference that was reduced when the Mg(NO₃)₂ matrix modifier was used that permitted a char temperature of 1700°C. Perchloric acid interferences were severe with improperly coated graphite tubes but did not exist up to 0.5 M HClO₄ when the new pyrolytically coated tubes were used. A serum Al method was tested briefly and no problems were found. Al was determined in seawater with no influence from the salinity of the sample and less than 0.6 μg/1 Al in seawater could be detected.