Determination of Calcium,Phosphorus and Potassium in Leaf Tissues by Extraction with Ethanol-Water Solvent

Abstract

A new method has been developed for the analysis of elements in plant leaves by aqueous-ethanol extraction. The method was initially tested for calcium, potassium and total phosphorus. Very good results were obtained when compared with those of other methods. Extraction is done with a 20% v/v ethanol-water mixture, refluxing the plant material during 15 to 30 minutes. After treatment with activated carbon the solution is filtered through fast quantitative filter paper (Whatman nr. 40). The elements can be analysed as usual, by atomic absorption, flame photometry, etc. The procedure is promising for routine analysis because of its low cost, simplicity of operation, rapidity, safety characteristics and quality of the results. 30 to 40 minutes are sufficient to prepare solution samples from the dried plant material.