Determination of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in human stones by inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectroscopy

Abstract

A method for the determination of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in human stones is described. Calculi are analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectroscopy after digestion with nitric-perchloric acid mixtures. The over-all precision of the analytical procedure is better than 2%(relative standard deviation). Data for 41 South African stones analysed so far are presented. Their use in the quantitative assessment of crystalline phases in connection with other techniques, such as X-ray powder diffraction, is discussed and the application of the method in the routine analysis of human stones is emphasised.