Analysis of soil extract solutions by direct reading emission spectrometry

Abstract

A rapid spectrometric method was developed for the determination of trace and major elements in aqueous soil extract samples. The rotating disc technique with high voltage excitation was used in conjunction with a direct reading spectrometer. The procedure determines simultaneously zinc, cobalt, lead, copper, nickel, manganese and vanadium at concentrations of between 1 and 1000 mg £-1 together with calcium, magnesium, aluminium and iron at levels usually in excess of 1000 mg £-1. Lutetium is used as an internal standard. The coefficients of variation for all elements range between 2 and 15 per cent.