Accurate elemental analysis of soils is extremely important for numerous

reasons. Lead and cadmium are known for their adverse health and

environmental effects. Phosphorus, copper, iron, magnesium are considered

important macro and micro nutrients for plants and thus, these elements

are of interest for agricultural science,

crop selection and soil remediation

studies. Titanium minerals in soil are also used as weathering indicators [1].

Laboratories that analyze soil and rock samples must use hydrofluoric acid

(HF) during sample preparation to ensure complete dissolution,

especially

where silicate based minerals may be present. Standard glass sample

introduction systems are not suitable for the introduction of HF digests

unless the samples are neutralized prior to analysis as the free HF attacks

and degrades the glass a

nd quartz components.

Unfortunately, the HF neutralization step reduces laboratory efficiency and

introduces a potential source of contamination. Therefore, laboratories that

routinely analyze samples prepared using HF digests prefer to work with