The effect of the presence of other elements on some microscopic tests for the metals

Summary It is apparent from the results of this study that the tests for lead, mercury, copper, cadmium, stannous tin, iron, manganese, nickel, cobalt and zinc in mixtures using the triple nitrite, oxalate, ferrocyanide or mercuri-thiocyanate reagents are not conclusive or reliable due to the interference of the other metals present. A few opportunities for simultaneous identification do present themselves. These could be utilized in schemes of separation.