Skill 12.4 Identifying everyday applications of qualitative analysis

Skill 12.4 Identifying everyday applications of qualitative analysis. 

Although most people, in their everyday lives, do not perform the types of experiments and procedures associated with qualitative chemical analysis, the results and benefits of qualitative analysis have a tremendous impact in common experience. 

One common example of qualitative analysis is the examination of the conditions of a particular environment. Farmers, for example, may have soil samples examined for mineral content to determine any necessary steps for producing a better crop yield. Qualitative analysis is also employed in detecting the presence of pollutants in rivers or other bodies of water, or in the land or air. Those who use water from wells may periodically have those wells tested for toxic substances such as lead. Again, although most people only see the results of the analysis as a positive or negative finding for some chemical or element, the rigorously developed procedures of qualitative analysis have still been applied. 

Although many people do not know about or. perhaps, understand the details of qualitative analysis, products for home analysis are becoming increasingly available. In some cases, tests for certain chemicals or elements, such as lead, may be performed directly by the consumer in other cases, the consumer may collect samples to be shipped to a laboratory for professional testing. Of course, the quality of such kits varies, but the everyday applications of qualitative analysis are illustrated by the increasing availability of these kits. 

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