Extraction of trace elements from spruce needles

In the present study, extraction was investigated as a method of sample preparation for elemental analysis of coniferous tree foliage. Extraction of trace and main elements [aluminum (Al), boron (13), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), strontium (Sr), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn)] from spruce needles prior to atomic emission spectrometry was examined. Effectiveness of extraction process was investigated at various experimental conditions (e.g., kind and concentration of extractant, temperature and leaching time) and discussed. It was found for some elements that the digestion procedure could be successfully replaced by solid-liquid extraction process. A fractionation analysis of plant materials with the use of extraction has been discussed.