Comparision of XRF and ICP-OES methods to determine total element concentrations of soils formed on different parent materials in the Sanliurfa province of Turkey

Abstract

The use of different instrumental methods as an alternative to traditional methods has become an important issue in order to detect soil change accurately, quickly and economically. In this study, soil profiles formed over four common parent materials (Mudflow, Basalt, Limestone and Marl) in Sanliurfa province of Turkey were described. Soil samples were collected from each horizon, in addition, surface soil samples (0-20 cm) of cultivated and uncultivated lands around the soil profiles were collected. Soil samples were analyzed using instrumental (ICP, XRF) techniques to determine total element (Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, K, P, Mn, Cr) concentrations as oxides, and assess the impact of parent materials and tillage (cultivated vs uncultivated) on the elemental composition. The highest percent total oxides in the soils were SiO2, CaO, AlO2, and MgO. The total oxide concentrations determined by both techniques were close to each other except SiO2, they were statistically different. In general, differences in the mean total oxide values of the investigated elements among the soils formed on different parent materials determined by both methods were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) while the effect of soil tillage was significant (p < 0.05) only for the results obtained with the XRF. The impacts of soil tillage status on other elements were statistically negligible (p>0.05), but only MgO was shown to be significantly affected. The percent SiO2 values obtained by the ICP technique were quite low compared to the values obtained by the XRF technique. Overall, in terms of total elemental oxide values obtained, the XRF method was considered more advantageous over the ICP technique as it provides more accurate results and requires less soil samples.