[chrisbb]

Hi All.
I'm have a nice 4 month project to do, starting Jan next yr. I've found a site that is contains steel and other metals. I've narrowed my search down to finding Fe and Cu in soil. The problem is I dont know of a method off the top of my head that can make this possible.

Could someone please point me in the right direction.
Thanks, C

[ARGOS++]

Dear chrisbb;

I can think of quite a number of possible methods, like:
   -  Electroanalytical methods (see on Wiki)
   -  Titrations
   -  Photospectroscopy
   -  etc.

But don’t ask me every detail, because I haven’t done each of them.

Good Luck!
                    ARGOS⁺⁺

[chrisbb]

thanks so much!
I'll look into them.... I'll post again and tell ya what the prof. (s) say.

C

[arshiji]

Atomic Absorbtion Spectroscopy is most credible and workable.

[chrisbb]

Right, that is what I was thinking  = FLAAS.
I'm not sure how to make the soil sample etc, plus I need the sample in an aqueous form.

Also, I need a standard method, like NIOSH etc.
Not sure where to find one though..

[chrisbb]

I have just realized that I've done a lab like this before!
Here is the method if anyone needs it or just curious:

[wpenrose]

What instruments do you have available? Atomic absorption? ICP? Xray fluorescence?

The AOAC has standard methods for doing just about anything in soil. I'm not sure the methods are available without paying a great deal of money, though.

If the idea is to work out your own method, consider that soil is a difficult matrix. It contains various organic and inorganic complexing agents such as humic acid and phosphate, and is of unreliable composition.

Dangerous Bill