Spectrophotometric Method

I.
A.

C.

Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metal in Soil found along Katipunan

Introduction
Environmental degradation is a growing problem in the country. Due to the
commercialization of various locations, the accumulation of heavy metals is a
possible concern needed to be addressed. Although heavy metals are naturally
present in the environment, an excess of these can be toxic to different species of
plants. This project aims to investigate the heavy metal content, with priority on
copper and lead, along Katipunan.
B. Reagents
1. 0.05N HCl in 0.025N H2SO4 solution or 0.1N HCl solution
2. Concentrated HNO3
3. Concentrated HCl
4. Pb Stock Solution
5. Cu Stock Solution
Methodology

Technique
The analysis will be done through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).
Sample
Specific sites along Katipunan (preferably near Gate 3 of Ateneo) will be chosen
as variables. Control samples will be obtained from locations within Ateneo that
are far from the main road and commercial establishments. 8g of soil are to be
collected from various locations and left to dry in an oven at 140C until moisture
is no longer present. Various concentrations of lead and copper standard solutions
are to be prepared from the stock provided. The concentration will depend on the
maximum and minimum values stated on the manual of the AAS machine.

Preparation for Copper Analysis
Add 5g of soil to an Erlenmeyer flask. Pour 20mL of 0.05N HCl-0.025N H2SO4
into the glassware and stir the solution with a mechanical shaker. Filter the solution
into a 50mL volumetric flask and dilute to mark.
[1]

Preparation for Lead Analysis

Transfer 2g of soil to a clean 100mL beaker. Add 5mL of water and 5mL of HNO3,
respectively. Stir the sample gently and immediately cover with a watch glass.
Place the beaker on a hot plate (setting at 10) and allow the setup to heat for 10
mins. Refrain from boiling the mixture to avoid sample loss. After heating and
cooling, add another 5mL of HNO3 and repeat previous settings with a new watch
glass. Repeat a third reflux at a lower setting for 15 mins. upon the addition of 5mL
HCl and 10mL of water into the beaker. Filter the solution into a small-mouthed
flask for cooling. Transfer the solution into a 50mL volumetric flask and dilute to
mark.
D. References
[1] Rossi, and Kuwata. Determination of Lead in Soil by Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy
(2008):
1-2.
Web.
<http://www.macalester.edu/~kuwata/classes/2010-
11/Chem%20222/222L%20Exp%20-%20Lead%20in%20Soil%20-
%20Spring%202011.pdf>.
[2]

[2] "Analysis of Soils: Extractable Cations." Analytical Methods for Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy (2006): 132. The Perkin-Elmer Corporation. Web.
<http://www.lasalle.edu/~prushan/Intrumental%20Analysis_files/AA-
Perkin%20Elmer%20guide%20to%20all!.pdf>.