Current practice and recent developments in analytical methodology for trace element analysis of soils, plants, and water

Abstract

Accurate and reliable methodologies possessing high sensitivity and selectivity, coupled with convenience and economy and applicable to real‐world situations are required for the evaluation of plant, soil and water samples for trace element content. The demand for more elements at lower concentration levels and the increasing interest in elemental speciation due to the issues of bioavailability and toxicity have nurtured growth of more rapid and robust methodologies for sample preparation ‐ including analyte preconcentration schemes, matrix separation processes, species specific detection and instrumentation to address the concerns of sample throughput, compatibility, economy and portability. Realistic assessment of the near‐term future for this environmental analysis sector is a growth in the use of multielement detection systems, likely focused on ICP‐AES with array‐based spectrometers, and ICP‐MS instrumentation having increased resolution capabilities. Coupling on‐line flow injection techniques incorporating various chemfolds to permit a variety of microsample processing schemes as well as some direct solid sampling approaches will compliment this proficiency for effective sample management. Current practice and recent developments in both analytical instrumentation and sample processing techniques will be reviewed in light of the above.