Importance of calibration for accurate determination of vanadium in soil samples

Abstract

The increased combustion of oil has led in recent times to an increase in the emission of vanadium into the environment. Vanadium is an essential trace element for normal cell growth at the p.p.b. level, but has a toxic effect when present at higher concentrations. Hence the possible risks associated with vanadium exposure need to be assessed by careful monitoring of this potentially toxic element. It has been shown that the analyte matrix can have a profound influence on the results obtained for the determination of vanadium in soils by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Certified soil was used to establish the percentage recoveries and optimum calibration graphs were employed for a reliable determination of vanadium in soil samples.