Determination of total or partial trace element content in soil and inorganic waste materials (NT TR 446)

Abstract

  A large number of different methods are available for the determination of the content of trace elements in soil and inorganic waste materials, and since these methods often are used at random and without proper justification, guidance and documentation, a considerable confusion exists in this area. There is therefore a strong need for an overview of the different methods, a discussion of the advantages and drawbacks associated with each method and for the development of a set of guidelines, which can help the user select the right method for a specific purpose. The purpose of this project has been to establish such an overview, to present some documentation on the comparative efficiency and the areas of application of the various methods, and to initiate the development of a manual or a set of guidelines for the selection of methods for various purposes, materials and components.