The Determination of Total Iron in Venezuelan Laterites: The Investigation of Interferences of Aluminum and Silicon on the Determination of Iron in the Fluoboric-Boric Acid Matrix by Atomic Absorption

Abstract

An interference-free atomic absorption method for the determination of total iron in geological samples has been adopted. The method is based on the conventional standard curve technique employing the 386 nm atomic absorption line in the fluoboric-boric acid matrix. The use of the 386 nm line instead of the 248.3 nm line is discussed, as well as the advantages of the hydrofluoric acid dissolution of the sample. A comparison of different methods is given in search of one for routine determinations in this laboratory. Interference studies of aluminum and/or silicon on the iron determination conclude that these interferences do not exist under the conditions of this method. The literature on such interferences is reviewed and they are discussed. The proposed method was used to determine total iron in six reference materials and the results were in good agreement with the reported values. Finally, total iron was determined in a preliminary profile of Venezuelan laterites (ferrouginous bauxites).