Determination of total sulphur in soil by using high-frequency induction furnace equipment

Abstract

A method is described for the determination of total sulphur in soils and silicate minerals by combustion in a high-frequency induction furnace. Oxides of sulphur are absorbed in a solution of sodium hydroxide giving sulphate and sulphite. Reduction subsequently converts these into hydrogen sulphide, which is determined by a colorimetric methylene-blue method. Preliminary tests with soils showed that if the only combustion product determined is sulphur dioxide, then low and inconsistent values are obtained.

Values for soils and several mineral reference samples are compared with those obtained by an acid-digestion method.