Direct determination of cobalt in acetic acid extracts of soils by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

A method is described for the direct determination of cobalt in 0.43 M acetic acid extracts of soils by atomic absorption spectrometry using a graphite furnace. The sample is nebulised and introduced to the furance as an aerosol. With this technique and the use of optimised operating conditions, the influence of major concomitants is negligible and the determination is virtually free from interference of extraneous elements. A comparison of analyses by this method with those obtained by conventional flame atomic absorption spectrometry following pre-concentration of the extract and with direct current arc atomic emission spectrometry following chemical concentration shows good agreement. The method has been applied to the determination of cobalt in a large number of Scottish topsoils derived from a wide variety of parent materials.