Trace Element Speciation in Soils and Sediments Using Sequential Chemical Extraction Methods

Abstract

Several commonly used sequential chemical extraction procedures of heavy metals in soils and sediments are compared, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed focusing on selected case studies. In particular, problems caused by handling of anoxic samples, and of specific phases (e.g. organic fractions and sulfides) are addressed.

Eventually, recommendations for the improvement of extraction selectivity as well as the reduction of readsorption effects are given.     

Single and Sequential Extraction in Sediments and Soils

Abstract

The determination of extractable trace metal contents in soils and sediments is currently performed in many laboratories to assess the bioavailable metal fraction (and related potential phyto-toxic effects) and the importance and possibility of mobilization of trace metals from polluted soil, sludge and sediment upon landfill application. Single and sequential extraction schemes are used for the assessment of the different “forms” of trace metals (e.g. “mobile/bioavailable”, “carbonate-bound” etc.). The lack of uniformity in the different extraction procedures used throughout the world does not allow the results to be compared or the procedures to be validated which has led to many criticisms in the past few years. Moreover, the lack of suitable reference materials for this type of operationally defined determinations did not enable the quality of the measurements to be controlled. Owing to the need for establishing common schemes for single and sequential extractions as well as for the improvement of the quality of extractable trace metal determinations in soil and sediments, the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) has organised a project which results along with the state of the art of extractable trace metal determinations, use and applicability of extraction schemes and analytical limitations were decided to be thoroughly discussed in a workshop. This paper presents its main conclusions.     

Comparison of Two Sequential Extraction Procedures for Trace Metal Partitioning in Sediments

Abstract

Two sequential extraction schemes (a modified Tessier procedure with five steps and a three steps protocol designed by BCR) are applied to four sediment samples with different heavy metal contents. The results obtained for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn partitioning show that the metal distribution obtained with both procedures are significantly different. With the second procedure amounts of all the heavy metals are extracted with the oxidizing reagent (third fraction) whereas with the first one the non residual metals are distributed among the second, third and fourth fractions (acetic acid-acetate buffer (pH=5), reducing and oxidizing reagents respectively). The residual fraction obtained applying the three steps procedure is in general higher than that obtained using the five steps procedure, except for cadmium.     

Evaluation of Ammonium Oxalate for Fractionating Metallic Trace Elements in Soils by Sequential Extraction

Abstract

Ammonium oxalate is largely used to extract the trace elements bound to Mn-oxides, amorphous compounds and crystalline Fe-oxides. The objective of this work was to evaluate the selectivity and the efficiency of ammonium oxalate for extracting Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn by sequential extraction of soils. For this purpose, three schemes were selected and applied to three different soil samples of the Swiss Jura. Each extraction scheme consisted of six steps, where different reagents were used to extract Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn bound to the Mn and Fe compounds. The results showed that metallic trace elements extraction with ammonium oxalate are very dependant on the metal studied. The reason could be the capability of oxalate to form stable complexes with the metals considered which sometimes are only slightly soluble.     

A Comparison of Conventional and Ultrasound-Assisted BCR Sequential Extraction Methods for the Fractionation of Heavy Metals in Sewage Sludge of Different Characteristics

The purpose of this study was to determine the heavy metal (HM: Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg) content in particular chemical fractions (forms) of sewage sludge with different characteristics (primary and dewatered sludge) using conventional (CSE) and ultrasound-assisted (USE) BCR sequential extraction methods (Community Bureau of Reference, now the Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme). The concentrations of HMs were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry (ICP-OES). Only mercury was assayed with cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). Ultrasound treatment was conducted in the ultrasonic bath (Sonic 5, Polsonic). The optimal sonication time (30 min) was determined using ERM-CC144 (Joint Research Center; JCR) certified reference material. The conducted experiment revealed that the use of ultrasound waves shortened the extraction time to 4 h and 30 min (Stages I to III). The recoveries (R_M) of heavy metals ranged from 62.8% to 130.2% (CSE) and from 79.8% to 135.7% (USE) for primary sludge, and from 87.2% to 113.2% (CSE) and from 87.8% to 112.0% (USE) for dewatered sludge. The only exception was Hg in dewatered sludge. The conducted research revealed minor differences in the concentrations and fractionation patterns for Cd, Ni, and Zn extracted from sludge samples by the tested methods. However, it was confirmed that the above findings do not significantly affect the results of a potential ecological risk assessment (with minor exceptions for Cd and Zn in the primary sludge), which is extremely essential for the natural use of sludge, and especially dewatered sludge (the final sludge). The shorter extraction time and lower energy consumption prove that ultrasound-assisted extraction is a fast and simple method for HM fractionation, and that it provides an alternative to the conventional procedure. Therefore, it can be considered a “green method” for the assessment of the bioavailability and mobility of heavy metals in solid samples.     

微顺序注射-镉柱还原分光光度法测定海水中总氮

基于微顺序注射-阀上实验室,采用镉柱还原-偶氮染料染色分光光度法测定海水中总氮,对实验参数进行了优化,并进行了干扰因素实验。结果表明,海水中主要离子和盐度对本实验方法测定会产生干扰,采用一定盐度的国家标准海水作为溶剂制备系列标准溶液,可消除干扰。海水中总氮浓度在0.03~1.00 mg/L范围内与吸光度呈良好线性,线性相关系数r=0.9993;测定含氮浓度为0.2 mg/L的国家标准海水,相对标准偏差(RSD)为4.9％;方法的检出限为0.010 mg/L;样品加标回收率在99.5％~101.1％之间。经t检验分析,本方法与国标方法测定数据无显著性差异,可用于海水样品中总氮的测定。     

Application of a Sequential Extraction Procedure to Calcareous Soil Samples: Preliminary Studies

Abstract

The localization of trace metals in soils is usually performed by sequential extraction procedures. Our purpose was to study the fractioning of copper in calcareous soils, in order to predict its mobility, using the extraction procedure proposed by Tessier et al. This preliminary study is devoted to the improvements of this method applied to calcareous soil samples.

First, it was necessary to assess the experimental conditions allowing the complete solubilisation of the different compartments involved in the extraction procedure with their appropriate reagent (acetic acid-sodium acetate and carbonates, iron hydroxide and hydroxylamine, organic matter and hydrogen peroxide, fluorhydric-perchloric acid and residual fraction). The complete solubilisation of each compartment was tested by measuring the residual phase.

Secondly, it was necessary to study the analytical protocol for the determination of copper with electrothermal atomic absorption; an improvement of this determination was particularly necessary for the reagent used for the exchangeable fraction (sodium acetate at pH = 8.5).

According to the experimental results, the quality (repeatability, concordance of the sum of fractions with the total content of copper determined with independent measurement) of the proposed protocol seems to be quite good.

Some results of the fractioning of copper in calcareous soil samples are given; these samples are characterised by a high value of copper in the residual fraction corresponding to a poor availability of this element.     

化学提取方法快速评估污染土壤中生物可消化性铅

为建立一种简单的方法鉴定污染土壤中的铅在消化系统中被人体消化吸收的潜力（即生物可消化性或生物可接受性）,采用连续提取法和7种单一化学提取法比较研究了13个污染土壤中铅的化学形态及其可提取性,以模拟胃液提取法为参比,选择和比较了7种化学提取剂,包括：CaCl2稀盐、NH4OAc、DTPA—TEA、Mehlich Ⅰ、Mehlich Ⅲ、草酸铵缓冲液和盐酸羟铵溶液。结果表明,土壤中铅的平均提取率由高至低依次为：草酸铵缓冲液,盐酸羟铵溶液,MehlichⅠ、MehlichⅢ,DTPA—TEA,NH4OAc,CaCl2相关分析表明,氧化物结合态铅是污染土壤中生物可消化铅的主要组分,用盐酸羟铵溶液提取的铅可很好地表征污染土壤中铅的生物可消化性,其提取量与模拟胃液提取的铅接近,两者之间具有显著的相关性。     

提取脂质的改良干柱法

报道了一种提取脂质的改良干柱法。用低毒溶剂正己烷/异丙醇(3∶2,V/V)作洗脱剂代替干柱法中毒性较强的二氯甲烷/甲醇,通过对重要提取条件的考察,建立了改良干柱法提取脂质的最佳条件,并对干柱法提取机理进行了探讨。使用7.5cm×27mmi.d.玻璃层析柱,内装2.0gCaHPO4·2H2O/Celite545(1∶9),再装入样品、无水Na2SO4、Celite545混合物制备干柱。用40mL正己烷/异丙醇(3∶2,V/V)进行洗脱,可在40min内洗脱完毕。测定了6种肉制品的脂质含量,并做了脂肪酸分析,结果与传统的氯仿/甲醇法一致,统计检验表明,两方法间不存在显著性差异,但改良干柱法洗脱剂毒性更低、试剂用量更少。     

海湾河口表层沉积物中重金属形态连续萃取方法的优化研究

采用单一萃取程序对建立的重金属形态连续萃取方法的萃取条件进行优化.分别以Ca和Mg、Fe、有机质(OM)和酸可挥发性硫(AVS)作为萃取剂释放酸溶态、还原态、有机质结合态和硫化物结合态等重金属目标形态的表征参量,考察萃取剂对相应目标形态的萃取能力和选择性.分别根据表征参量和重金属在萃取溶液中的含量变化确定最优萃取时间和萃取样液比.结果表明,优化萃取条件后,萃取剂对目标形态重金属均有很强的释放能力.酸溶态萃取剂对其它非残留态影响很小;还原态萃取剂除对酸溶态有少量提取外,对其它形态影响较小;有机质结合态萃取剂对硫化物结合态有少量萃取,对其它形态影响较小.硫化物结合态在酸溶态、还原态和有机质结合态之后萃取,避免了对这三种形态的影响.优化后的连续萃取方法对重金属形态有较好的选择性,可对海湾和河口表层沉积物中重金属的目标形态进行较为合理地分离和评价.     

Improvement of Analytical Measurements within the BCR-Programme: Single and Sequential Extraction Procedures Applied to Soil and Sediment Analysis

Abstract

The determination of extractable trace metal contents in soil and sediment, using respectively single and sequential extraction procedures, is currently performed in many laboratories to assess the bioavailable metal fraction (and related phyto-toxic effects) and the accessability to the environment (e.g. contamination of ground waters).

Owing to the need for validation of the extraction schemes used and of the analytical techniques, the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) decided to organize a project for the improvement of the quality of determinations of extractable trace metal contents in soil and sediment. The implementation of this project follows a stepwise approach involving feasibility studies, intercomparisons to detect and remove sources of errors in the application of the analytical methods, and the certification of the extractable compounds. This paper describes the organization of the work completed so far (feasibility studies and first intercomparison) and discusses its further development.     

缺氧沉积物中重金属形态连续萃取方法的稳定性研究

考察了海水养殖区域缺氧沉积物中重金属形态连续萃取法萃取过程中溶液pH值、温度变化和胶体形成对形态分离结果的影响。结果表明,连续萃取法Step1萃取酸溶态时,萃取液pH值的轻微升高使Pb和Zn的萃取结果明显降低;Step2萃取还原态时,萃取液pH值明显升高对重金属的萃取结果影响很小;Step3萃取有机质结合态时,萃取液pH值的降低对重金属萃取结果影响较小(除Pb外)。由于连续萃取法中各步萃取反应的热力学过程不同,Step1和Step2萃取后溶液温度轻微升高而在Step3中溶液温度稍微降低,溶液温度变化(<2.5℃)对重金属形态的影响很小。在Step1、Step2和Step4萃取过程中胶体的形成和存在,对萃取液Cd、Zn和Cu有明显的吸附影响;而在Step3萃取中萃取剂的分散作用有效控制了溶液中胶体的形成。因此采用连续萃取方法评价沉积物中的重金属形态时,控制萃取液pH值和胶体形成有利于提高萃取结果的稳定性和准确性。     

枪弹射击残留物检验方法

射击残留物作为涉枪案件的重要物证,是法庭科学领域的重要研究对象.射击残留物主要源于未燃烧或者部分燃烧的发射药、底火等,主要残留于射击者、枪支及被射客体上.随着各类分析检验方法的发展,针对射击残留物中的有机成分和无机成分,射击残留物的检验方法也从简单的化学检验发展到更加准确的仪器分析.     

New Approaches to the Extraction of Arsenic Species from Soils

Arsenic extraction in natural and spiked soil samples was studied using two main types of extractants. The extractants were phosphoric acid used alone and with the addition of reducing agents (ascorbic acid and hydroxylammonium hydrochloride). The stability of arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) in the extracts over time and under different storing conditions was assessed by means of LC-HG-AFS. A protocol was devised to extract arsenic species from soils. The protocol assures the stability of the original sample species in the extract proposed by using an extraction solution of phosphoric acid with ascorbic acid and by purging the extracts after microwave extraction. The total As, Mn and Fe content in aqua regia and in phosphoric extracts was also measured by ICP-AES in order to perform the mass balance.     

氨基硅胶毛细管整体柱萃取谷氨酸

采用溶胶-凝胶技术,以四乙氧基硅烷(TEOS)和N-(β-氨乙基)-γ-氨丙基三乙氧基硅烷(AEAPTES)为反应物,制备了含氨基的硅胶整体柱,并将其应用于谷氨酸(Glu)的萃取.在优化的条件下,一段长4 cm、内径250 μm的毛细管萃取柱的柱容量为2.5 ng.     

Sequential Extraction of Copper and Zinc from Sewage Sludges. Use of Organic Solvents

Abstract

Sequential extraction procedures were used to evaluate the bioavailability of metals from two sewage sludges after application in soils. Organic solvents were used prior to sequential extraction to evaluate the influence of oil and waxes on heavy metals extractability.

The preliminary results showed that a extraction of oil and waxes present in the sewage sludges by n-hexane followed by acetone increased the accessibility of Cu and Zn and did not remove substantial metal amounts.     

Speciation of Heavy Metals in Soils and Sediments. An Account of the Improvement and Harmonization of Extraction Techniques Undertaken Under the Auspices of the BCR of the Commission of the European Communities

Abstract

An account is presented of a series of investigations and collaborative studies, initiated by BCR, on current methods of metal speciation by extraction of soils and sediments with chemical reagents. It was established by extensive consultation with European experts that the diverse procedures used could be harmonized into agreed methods. These methods, including both single extractant and sequential extraction procedures were subjected to collaborative, interlaboratory trials and the results, presented briefly here, showed that it was both possible and desirable that reference soils and sediments, characterised by certified values for extractable contents, be prepared. As a consequence of these studies two soils have been prepared and will shortly be the subject of interlaboratory analysis with a view to certification of their EDTA and acetic acid extractable contents of some heavy metals. Following this workshop a feasibility study of the agreed sequential extraction procedure will, it is believed, shortly lead to certification of sediments for contents extractable by a defined sequential extraction procedure.     

调节索氏抽提器抽提液量的2种措施

介绍了调节索氏抽提器抽提液量的2种措施,第1种是在原有提取管中加一可置入玻璃垫块的框架,第2种是在提取管壁上设置可搁置玻璃垫块的支撑凸点.2种措施均通过增减玻璃垫块的数量来调节抽提液量.     

罗丹明B分子印迹固相萃取小柱的研制及应用

研制一种对罗丹明B具有特异性识别性能的分子印迹固相萃取小柱。用沉淀聚合法制备罗丹明B分子印迹聚合物,通过静态平衡吸附实验及固相萃取实验表征其性能,并对市售辣椒样品中的罗丹明B进行测量。罗丹明B模板聚合物的吸附能力明显优于空白聚合物;印迹固相萃取小柱对罗丹明B标准溶液(0.05 mmol/L)一次性萃取率为98.24%,实际样品测量的回收率为90.0%~95.0%,测定结果的相对标准偏差为0.9%~1.7%(n=3)。罗丹明B分子印迹固相萃取小柱选择性好、萃取率高,可应用于食品、化妆品检测等相关领域。     

食品中46种禁限用合成色素的分级提取净化体系研究

建立了46种禁限用合成色素的分级提取净化体系,采用反相液相色谱多波长检测对该体系的效果进行了评价。提取净化体系的第一级采用正己烷振荡提取、凝胶渗透色谱净化,实现了对苏丹类染料的有效提取分离,回收率均大于80%;第二级采用水振荡提取,乙腈辅助提取的手段,实现了对大多数水溶性合成色素及工业染料的提取分离,回收率均大于60%;第三级采用甲醇-氨水振荡提取,可实现对少数极性较强染料的提取分离,回收率均大于55%。经过第二、三级提取后的样品,无需再净化,即可直接进行高效液相色谱分析,提高了分析效率。采用此体系对样品进行合成色素的测定分析,结果表明,本方法对含蛋白质、脂肪类食品基质具有较强的适用性。