Determination of Some Trace Elements in Two Different Limestones by Atomic Absorption Flame Photometry

Abstract

Perhaps the most monumental work on the analysis of eastern Kansas limestones, was done by Russel T. Runnels and co-workers (9). Their work and most other work, was done on composite samples (channel analysis). Until recently (6, 7) little or no work appears to have been done on the vertical variations in the chemical composition within a unit of limestone. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not there is a difference in the vertical deposition of some trace elements in limestone in going from the bottom to the top of the bed. The elements studied to this time, are copper, chromium, nickel, vanadium, strontium, molybdenum and zinc. One of the two limestones studied was the Cottonwood Limestone bed, member of the Beattie Formation of the Permian System. This limestone bed consists of a ledge 5 to 7 feet thick and has at least three distinct layers. The top and bottom layer are approximately 3 feet in thickness and the center layer around 4 inches in thickness. The second limestone chosen for this work was the Burr Limestone, member of the Grenola Formation of the Permian System. This limestone ledge is also in three distinct layers with a total thickness of around 6 to 7 feet. The top and bottom layer are of approximately equal thickness of 3 feet. The center layer is about 1 foot in thickness and consists of shale, rather than limestone.