Use of Single and Sequential Chemical Extractants to Assess Radionuclide and Heavy Metal Availability From Soils for Root Uptake

Abstract

A review is presented of the use of single and sequential extraction methods to quantify soil radionuclide and heavy metal availability for plant uptake. The use of extraction methods to identify pollutant soil phase associations is also discussed. Some experimental aspects of extraction techniques, e.g., sampling strategy, sample preparation, quality control/method validation and data interpretation, are considered.