The determination of iron, manganese, zinc and copper in plant material by paper chromatography and reflectance densitometry

Abstract

A method is described for the determination of copper, zinc, iron and manganese in plant-leaf material. Organic matter is destroyed by dry ashing, and the elements are separated from other components of the ash before being isolated individually on a paper chromatogram. In the range 5 to 40 µg the isolated elements are determined by ordinary colorimetric methods, but for amounts of 2 µg, or less, a reflectometer is used, which enables determinations to be made directly on the chromatogram. Within wide limits the size and shape of the spot are unimportant. About 1 g of dry material is needed for a complete analysis.