Interferences of Flame Photometry can affect measurement accuracy and are categorized as:
1) Spectral Interferences:
Causes: Overlapping emission lines, background flame emission, and light scattering by particulates.
Mitigation: Use narrow bandpass filters, monochromators, and background correction.
2) Chemical Interferences:
Causes: Formation of refractory compounds (e.g., calcium phosphate) and atom ionization at high temperatures.
Mitigation: Add releasing agents, protective agents, or ionization suppressors (e.g., excess alkali metals).
3) Physical Interferences:
Causes: Variations in viscosity, surface tension, and solvent effects during nebulization.
Mitigation: Use matrix matching and dilute samples to minimize viscosity differences.