Development of Analytical Methods for Heavy Metal Detection in Soil

Among the various types of pollution, heavy metal pollution is a major area of concern as high concentrations of heavy metals can have detrimental effects on terrestrial and aquatic environments as well as human health.1 In the city of Chicago, the industrial corridors are a particular area of interest as they have been used for industrial purposes for over a century resulting in heavy metals being released into the environment.2 To explore this, soil samples can be analyzed using various methods to quantify the heavy metal concentrations–specifically for chromium, cadmium, and lead. The various methods explored in this study are citric acid and EDTA wash, potassium nitrate and citric acid wash, dilute nitric acid digestion, and nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide reflux. Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS) was used to quantify heavy metal concentrations and verify the most efficient method of analysis. By identifying the most effective procedure for heavy metal analysis in soil, this study can assist in more accurate environmental assessments and improved mitigation strategies to address pollution and its corresponding health impacts.