Full Description

This International Standard specifies two methods for the determination, by atomic absorption spectrometry, of one or more of cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc, in aqua regia extracts of soil obtained in accordance with ISO 11466. The choice of method for any element depends on the amount of that element expected to be in a sample, and both methods might be needed to cover all the elements in one sample. The methods are applicable when the extractable element content is above or below the amount given in table 1 (as milligrams per kilogram, dry matter), as appropriate. The two methods are described separately as follows:

Method A - Determination of cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.

Method B - Determination of cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

Many of the procedures and reagents are common to both methods, and to the different elements within each method. Users are advised, however, to read the whole standard carefully before embarking on any of the procedures.