Spectral Interferences:

Spectral interferences in ICP-AES are caused through the following.

• Overlap of a spectral line from other element
• Molecular band spectra's unresolved overlap
• Recombination phenomena
• Background emission from the source
• From the line emission of high concentration elements stray light,

A general interference involves the overlap of the spectral lines of two or more elements in the matrix emitting radiation at the same wavelength. For example, Cu emission at 515.323 nm is likely to show an overlapping along with the emission from Ar at 515.139 nm. These spectral interferences can be minimised either by using a high resolution dispersion system or by using more than one analytical line for the detection of a single components. Spectral scans of samples or single element solutions in the analyte regions may indicate when alternate wavelengths are desirable because of severe spectral interference.