A Comparison of Frequently Used Methods for the Determination of Aqueous Aluminum

Abstract

In view of current international interest in the effects of acid deposition and consequent aluminum mobilization, a need has arisen to establish sound relationships between aluminum fractionation methodologies. We compare the results of two principal fractionation methods, the Barnes/Driscoll MIBK extraction method and the pyrocatechol violet method, for surface water samples from southern Norway. For samples analyzed immediately after collection with minimum pH and temperature changes, both methods are satisfactory, but the Barnes/Driscoll method was found to be more convenient for field analytical research. There are systematic differences, particularly for the organic monomeric aluminum fraction. Results for inorganic monomeric aluminum, which is most important biologically, are in very good agreement.

Key Words:

• Aluminum transport
• aluminium speciation
• soil
• surface waters
• aluminum toxicity.