Elemental composition terms Links

Fractionation of natural organics is required to link characteristics to treatment behaviour. Leenheer et al. (1989) expressed an urgent need to separate the complex mixture of HSs into more homogeneous fractions in order to understand its nature and properties. The fractionation of HS in terms of IVW, functional groups, elemental composition, and other characteristics, is limited by methods and patience (Swift (1985)). 

The analysis of the classification of plant materials in the Methode de nomenclature chimique, presented at the beginning of chapter 14, creates an important link between parts II and III of this book. This analysis first shows the ambition of Lavoisier and his collaborators to extend classification according to composition to plant substances, and, second, their failure in terms of collective acceptance. The next section of the chapter continues this analysis of their failure inasmuch as it points out the theoretical limits of the Lavoisierian analytical program. As Lavoisier s theory of the elemental composition of organic substances did not include the assumption of stoichiometric organic compounds, it was unsuitable as a working tool for the envisioned analytical mode of identification and classification of organic compounds. 

Nuclear spectroscopy methods deliver weight fractions of certain elements (see below), but of course, they cannot deliver a full mineral analysis. Therefore, the link to the rock type requires use of a typical mineral composition (model) in terms of the detectable elements. In practice typical groups are used, such as ... 

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