Differentiation of the halogen content of peat samples using ion chromatography after combustion (TX/TOX-IC)

The proposed method for the differential AOX analysis of water samples was tested for its applicability to differentiate the halogen content of peat samples. For determination of the total and the total organic-bound chlorine, bromine and iodine, peat samples were combusted, and the combustion gases trapped and analyzed by ion chromatography (TX/TOX-IC). The total and the organically bound chlorine, bromine and iodine, respectively, can be determined by two-fold analysis with deviations of around 10%. With respect to chlorine more than a double determination could be required. The limit of quantification is 20 mg kg(-1) for chlorine, 2 mg kg(-1) for bromine and 1 mg kg(-1) for iodine, if 25 mg of peat is combusted. The most crucial step of the analysis is the inorganic halogen removal, which is necessary if the organically bound fraction is determined. However, there are some uncertainties about the complete removal of the inorganic halides from the solid samples. Thus, the values of the organically bound fraction have to be discussed as maximal concentrations. Nevertheless, we suggest that the applied method can be useful as a tool for studying the fate of halogens in soils.