relative preconcentration

in trace analysis
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05274
An operation (process) as a result of which the ratio of concentration or amounts of microcomponents and main macrocomponents increases. This is a particular example of a separation, but at greatly differing concentrations of components. The ratio of the masses of the initial and final samples is not of great importance. Frequently, the main purpose of relative @P04803@ is the replacement of a matrix unsuitable for analysis by a suitable medium. In some cases, it is difficult to trace a boundary between the absolute and the relative preconcentrations as, for example, in preconcentration by zone @M03821@.
Source:
PAC, 1979, 51, 1195. (Separation and Preconcentration of Trace Substances. I-Preconcentration for Inorganic Trace Analysis) on page 1197 [Terms] [Paper]