Comparing Methods for Extracting Heavy Metals from Histosols for Establishing Quality Reference Values

ABSTRACT The diversity of methods for heavy metal extraction from soils complicates comparison of results used by environmental agencies to establish quality reference values. The aim of this study was to evaluate three soil digestion methods regarding the solubilizing capacity of Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, and to propose a standard method to establish Quality Reference Values (QRVs) for Brazilian Histosols. Twenty soil samples were selected to evaluate the USEPA 3051, USEPA 3051A and Aqua Regia methods in a closed system. The methods tested were statistically similar regarding Cu, Fe ...