Evaluation of spectral interferences in the atomic emission determination of some rare-earth elements and yttrium in natural samples

Spectral interferences were quantitatively estimated using two characterist ics: (1) Q(1)(lambda(a)) and Q(W)(Delta lambda(a)) defined as the ratio of sensitivities of overlapping lines or their wings to the sensitivity of the line under investigation (lambda(a)) and (2) c(L,) (1) quantities defined as the contribution of foreign (interfering) lines to the real detection li mit at the analytical line. With the use of an automated wave scanning and computer treatment of spectra, 20 analytical lines of medium and heavy lant hanides (from Eu to Lu) and Y and also overlapping lines of 29 interfering elements were examined. An are two-jet plasmatron with an argon flow, predo minantly giving a spark spectrum of rear-earth elements, was used as a sour ce of excitation. The data obtained can be used in the atomic-emission anal ysis of natural samples for selecting preferential analytical lines.