The measurement of trace-element concentration in soil, sediment and waste, is generally a combination of a digestion procedure for dissolution of elements and a subsequent measurement of the dissolved elements. "Partial" and "total" digestion methods can be used in environmental monitoring activities. To compare measurement results obtained by different methods, it is crucial to determine and to maintain control of the bias of the results obtained by these methods. In this paper, ICP-MS results obtained after matrix digestion with modified aqua regia (HCl + HNO 3 + H 2 O 2 ) method and two "total" digestion methods (microwave aqua regia + HF and HNO 3 + HF) are compared with those obtained by instrumental neutron activation analysis, a nondestructive analytical method for the determination of the total mass concentrations of inorganic components in environmental matrices. The comparison was carried out on eight agricultural soil samples collected in one test area and measured by k 0 -INAA and ICP-MS to determine As, Co, Cr, Sb and Zn mass concentration. The bias of results for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn of the three digestion methods were assessed using selected measurement standards. This

No abstract

No abstract

The scientist must be sure that, within a stated context, the terms used in articles, publications, or the daily conversation among colleagues are intended by all in the same precise way, without any possible ambiguity. As already pointed out by “Nomenclature for sampling in analytical chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1990)” [4], it is not acceptable that scientists are not able to orient themselves in a sampling or analytical process. This can occur if the terms used are not well defined. Moreover, to better appreciate the development of new theories or concepts, progressive updates can be necessary. To this end, on the basis of the existing terminology documents and of the most recent knowledge in the field of soil sampling, an updated terminology in sampling (specifically, soil sampling) is recommended.

No abstract