| Abstract: | Soil samples collected in the course of geochemical surveys for a variety of purposes are frequently analyzed for trace metals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry following sample dissolution with a mixture of HNO3 and HClO4.If samples are ignited prior to dissolution low values for Cu may be obtained. This is attributed to dehydration of secondary iron oxide phases and consequent change in bonding of Cu. This problem is overcome by treating ignited samples with HCl prior to digestion with HNO3 and HClO4. |
