Speciation of copper in soils and relation with its concentration in fruits

Different extraction reagents were studied in soils and the results obtaine d were compared with copper (Cu) contents of seven type fruits grown in the se soils. For fruits, wet and dry ashing methods were applied and acceptabl e results were obtained by using dry ashing. The speciation is based on the dissolution of the soil samples in KNO3/H2O2, oxalic acid, acetic acid, ED TA and citric acid as extraction reagents at hot and cold conditions. Mean total Cu concentrations for all fruits studied were (mg kg(-1)) in the rang e of 3.0-7.0 (dried weight basis). Significant positive correlations have b een found between Cu contents of various fruits and different extractants s tudied. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used for determination of Cu in digestions. Probable chemical forms of Cu in soils were evaluated.