Screening Control of Transport of Element Contaminants in the Environment

Abstract

A rapid single-step method of extraction of a number of elements (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, Hg, As, Sb, Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca a Mg) with a Na₂EDTA solution was developed and compared with a reference method. A single-step extraction with a 0.05 mol l⁻¹ Na₂EDTA was used. The extraction with Na₂EDTA was compared with the recommended extraction. After optimization, the element amounts extracted with Na₂EDTA are in good accordance with the sum of the acid-extractable and “reducible” extraction step of the BCR protocol. Therefore the economically viable and time-saving Na₂EDTA extraction can serve as a supplementary test for the BCR-recommended extraction procedure and as rapid indication of changes in element mobility in sedimentary (soil) systems. Usually, such information about element pollution could be sufficient for decision-making in environmental protection.