Abstract
An automated method for the indirect determination of fluoride by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry using discontinuous-flow analysis has been developed. A modified flow injection analysis system was used for sample preparation. The method is based on the determination of excess cerium(III) ion after precipitation of CeF3. Separation of the precipitate is performed online on a syringe membrane filter that is cleaned each analysis cycle by 1 M nitric acid, ensuring a long life-time for the filter. As a result of the short reaction time, a detection limit of 9.5 mg L−1 was obtained. The precision (RSD) of the proposed method is 1.02% at fluoride concentration of 28 mg L−1. The applicability of the technique for groundwater monitoring of fluoride-contaminated area is demonstrated.