Spectral interferences on the determination of selenium by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The effects of chlorides and nitrates of magnesium, calcium and aluminium on the atomization of selenium from both the tube wall and L'vov platform (microboat) are compared. Different concentrations of these salts were used under the same conditions in order to characterize the shapes of the absorption peaks, charring profiles and spectral interferences of selenium. Ashing studies using chemical modification were then performed in order to overcome these chloride spectral interferences.