ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with the practical aspects of using ion-selective electrodes. It discusses the precautions and techniques used to obtain reproducible and meaningful results, both in the laboratory and in other settings. When an ion-selective electrode, together with an appropriate reference electrode, is placed in an unknown sample solution, a potential is produced. In order to obtain a meaningful analytical result, this potential must be converted into a concentration or activity value. Several procedures may be used, varying in complexity and in the reliability of the results they produce. In order to obtain meaningful results from ion-selective electrodes, it is often necessary to make chemical adjustments to the sample before the measurement is carried out. Since electrodes respond to ionic activity, if the result required is the analyte concentration, it is important that the activity coefficient, which relates these factors, is kept constant.
