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A Comparison of Screening Tests for Soil Pb
Sarah E Wharton1, Hannah A Shayler, Henry M Spliethoff
1Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University, 817 Bradfield Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, (607) 222-8225.
Soil Science
|February 27, 2013
Summary
Soil testing for lead (Pb) is crucial for public health. A 1 M nitric acid (HNO3) test is the most reliable and cost-effective screening method for estimating total soil Pb, with thorough grinding improving accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Soil Science
Background:
- Soil lead (Pb) contamination poses significant risks to public health.
- Standard total Pb testing methods (EPA 3050/3051) are accurate but time-consuming and expensive.
- Accessible soil Pb screening tests are needed for homeowners and gardeners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the reliability of three common soil Pb screening tests (modified Morgan, Mehlich 3, 1 M HNO3) against standard methods.
- To evaluate the impact of soil grinding on Pb test results, particularly for the 1 M HNO3 method.
Main Methods:
- Compared modified Morgan (MM), Mehlich 3 (M3), and 1 M nitric acid (HNO3) soil extraction methods to EPA method 3051 for total Pb determination.
- Investigated the effect of soil particle size (grinding) on 1 M HNO3 extraction and total Pb testing.
Main Results:
- 1 M HNO3 demonstrated the highest correlation with total soil Pb, followed by M3, and then MM.
- Thorough soil grinding is essential for reproducible Pb test results when using less than five grams of sample.
Conclusions:
- 1 M HNO3 is a reliable and cost-effective screening test for estimating total soil Pb.
- Proper sample preparation, including adequate grinding, is critical for accurate and reproducible soil Pb testing.
