Simultaneous determination of boron, phosphorus and sulphur in some biological and soil materials by inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometry

Abstract

Atomic emission lines at 249.678 nm, 214.911 nm and 180.735 nm are used simultaneously to determine total concentrations of boron, phosphorus and sulphur respectively, in plant and soil sample digests by means of inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometry. The digestion procedures chosen enable these elements to be determined simultaneously on a single digest. Analytical data are compared after using various digestion procedures on standard reference materials. Actual and potential interelement interferences in the plasma are discussed together with attempts to overcome these interferences. Limitations for simultaneous determinations of boron, phosphorus and sulphur remain in the digestion and dissolution procedures.