Potentiometric Fluoride Analysis with Improved Analytical Performance

Since the 1960s SINTEF has, in collaboration with the Nordic
aluminium smelters, developed methods for sampling and analysis
of fluoride. Unlike conventional potentiometric analysis, this
methodology involves detection of fluoride in acidic media. At
low pH, the electrode kinetics is improved, resulting in faster
analysis. By masking of the fluoride leakage from the ionselective
electrode, the sensitivity of the method is improved.
Standard addition methodology is applied for improved analytical
performance. The acidic media makes it possible to perform a
direct analysis of fluoride in biological samples. In this way,
fluoride is extraced from the biological matrix by the acid. The
high sensitivity requires low sample masses used and thus does
not interfere with the fluoride detection at the ion-selective
electrode. This is far more efficient than the conventional
approach of ashing the sample at elevated temperatures. Acid
extraction can also be applied to filter dust samples.