Pseudo-total analysis for metallic elements in siliceous soil by acid digestion and flame atomic absorption spectrometry Original Research Article

Pseudo-total analysis (PTA) for metals in siliceous soil by atomic absorption spectrometry was carried out using digestion of siliceous soil with HNO3/H2O2 and aqua regia. The dissolved silicate was found to interfere with the absorbance of Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn and Fe. No interference was found with Cu and Pb. The effect of silicate can be decreased by dilution of solutions and/or using lanthanum as the releasing element. The rate of release of various elements was studied.