ABSTRACT

Sequential extraction schemes were introduced to define the operational speciation of trace elements in sedimentary and soil samples. It is possible in this way to gain information on the different binding forms in which potential contaminants appear associated to the component geochemical phases of those materials. That information is relevant to environmental studies performed to assess the incorporation, mobility and biological availability of trace metals in the biosphere. Due to its inherent multielement capabilities, atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma sources (ICP-AES) is particularly suited for the analysis of solutions generated by multiple successive extraction stages with chemical reagents of increasing dissolving power. In this review, recent literature on this subject is considered. Innovations in instrumentation and methodology, directed to improve the analytical information obtained in the context of sediment and soil speciation studies, are discussed.