54
Appendix C
A number of correction techniques can be used to eliminate or reduce
interference errors. In general, if the source of the error is known and is
consistent from sample to sample, the error can be eliminated. On the
other hand, if the source is unknown and varies from sample to sample,
the error can be reduced but not eliminated. Correction techniques
can always require data from at least two wavelengths. The more
sophisticated correction techniques require multiwavelength or
spectral data.
A.1 Isoabsorbance
When a known interfering component with a known spectrum is present,
the error introduced by this component at the analytical wavelength
for the target analyte can be eliminated by selecting a reference
wavelength at which the interfering compound exhibits the same
absorbance as it does at the analytical wavelength. The absorbance
at this reference wavelength is subtracted from the absorbance at the
analytical wavelength, as shown in Figure A1.The residual absorbance is
the true absorbance of the analyte.
This technique is less reliable when the spectra of the analyte and of the
interferent are highly similar. Moreover, it can correct for only one
interference
Fig A1 Isoabsorbance correction
A.2 Three-point correction
The three-point, or Morton-Stubbs correction uses two reference
wavelengths, usually those on either side of the analytical wavelength.