Current interlaboratory precision of exchangeable soil fraction measurements

 In addition to conventional aqua regia and EDTA extracts for monitoring trace metals in soils, the technique of examining exchangeable soil fractions has been suggested to estimate soil contamination and trace metal availability to plants. In order to establish a useful method for soil monitoring, interlaboratory precision as a primary selection criterion has been investigated. In order to assess the quality of data provided by laboratories participating in the organization of the Austrian Governmental Agricultural Research Institutes (ALVA), three soil samples have been analysed in a common ring test, annually, for the last 20 years. In addition to the annual list of parameters used for soil monitoring, within ALVA two NH₄-acetate extracts were run in 1994, three NH₄-acetate and NH₄NO₃ extracts in 1995 and three LiCl extractions in 1998. The procedures were tested for analytical precision and environmental indications in up to 12 laboratories, with respect to Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. Due to the low extraction efficiency, for determinations in the resultant solutions, graphite furnace AAS was preferably selected, except for Zn and Cu. Flame-AAS and ICP-OES were not sensitive enough for non-contaminated sites. Interlaboratory precision of the data was in the range 10–65% coeff.var., and thus within the range of data given in the appendix of DIN 19730 (NH₄NO₃), as well as in a previous BCR report. Indications from exchangeable fractions seemed to be good for Zn and Cu, whereas they were impossible for Cr. Received: 25 October 1998 / Accepted: 26 January 1999