Simultaneous determination of metal ion concentrations in binary mixtures with a multi-LED photometer

A compact photometer is based on up to seven different light-emitting diodes whose light is guided into a photometric cell by means of a fibre-optic coupler. The wavelength is selected by switching on the appropriate light source. The application of this multiwavelength photometer to the determination of binary metal ion samples is demonstrated using model mixtures. Solutions of Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Cr and Mn were used in combination with several photometric reagents. It was found that the instrument yielded concentration measurements which were usually within a few percent of the correct concentration. These results are comparable to reported data obtained with conventional instruments for similar measurements. The application of the instrument for simultaneous determination in flow-injection analysis employing rapid computer controlled switching of the light-emitting diodes is also demonstrated. A limitation in the use of light-emitting diodes for the simultaneous determination was found to arise from the fact that in some instances non-linear calibration curves are obtained when employing light-emitting diodes as light sources. This occurs when the absorptivity of the measured compound changes over the emission band of the diodes. Multiple regression analysis is then not easily possible.