Limitations of the FPD and ECD in atmospheric analysis: a review

This paper reviews the use of electron capture and flame photometric detectors in ambient air measurements, with particular emphasis on the factors which may affect the sensitivity, precision, and accuracy of the analyses. The interference effects of oxygen, water, and other common constituents in air samples are discussed. In addition to those anomalies that are due to the nature of the analytical samples, certain limitations are imposed by the inherent response characteristics of the detectors. These notable difficulties and limitations are defined along with their potential consequences in atmospheric applications. The basic intent of the discussion is to warn environmental scientists, who use the ECD and FPD, that significant errors can occur in their results unless they adhere to the analytical requirements of the analysis. Therefore, it is necessary to validate the ECD and FPD measurement techniques for their appropriateness in each new analytical application.