The problem of arsenic interference in the analysis of soils for cadmium by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry

Cadmium determination in soils that contain arsenic may be subject to inter ference. When this problem is not appreciated spurious results may be accep ted as correct. Spectrometric methods for the quantitative determination of cadmium in the presence of arsenic were compared. Data are given for each method to demonstrate the problem of arsenic interference. Cadmium determin ation by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry was free from arsenic interfe rence. Cadmium determination by Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry and Graphite Furnace Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry were subject to inte rference at arsenic concentrations greater than 50 mu g l(-1) and 10 mg l(- 1), respectively. A strategy for cadmium determination in arsenic contamina ted soils is suggested. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.