Soil multi-metal analysis

The determination of arsenic is discussed under Multi-Metal Analysis of Soils in Sect. 2.55. 

The determination of chromium is also discussed under Multi-Metal Analysis of Soils in Sect. 2.55 (atomic absorption spectrometry), Sect. 2.55 (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry), Sect. 2.55 (emission spectrometry), Sect. 2.55 (photon activation analysis), Sect. 2.55 (neutron activation analysis), and Sect. 2.55 (differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry). 

The determination of lanthanum in soil by neutron activation analysis is discussed under Multi-Metal Analysis of Soils in Sects. 2.55 (neutron activation analysis) and 2.55 (column chromatography). 

Neutron activation analysis has been used to determine scandium, as discussed under Multi-Metal Analysis of Soils in Sect. 2.55. Scandium has also been determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (Sect. 2.55). 

Table 2.3. Multi-metal analysis of soil (from author s own files)...

ICP-AES is the best overall multi-element atomic spectroscopy technique for soil metal analysis, with excellent sample throughput and very wide... 

The potential for the employment of plasma emission spectrometry is enormous and it is finding use in almost every field where trace element analysis is carried out. Some seventy elements, including most metals and some non-metals, such as phosphorus and carbon, may be determined individually or in parallel. As many as thirty or more elements may be determined on the same sample. Table 8.4 is illustrative of elements which may be analysed and compares detection limits for plasma emission with those for ICP-MS and atomic absorption. Rocks, soils, waters and biological tissue are typical of samples to which the method may be applied. In geochemistry, and in quality control of potable waters and pollution studies in general, the multi-element capability and wide (105) dynamic range of the method are of great value. Plasma emission spectrometry is well established as a routine method of analysis in these areas. 

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