Evaluation of extraction techniques for the determination of metals in aquatic sediments

Abstract

A brief study was made of the extractability of a large number of metals from sediments, using different extraction techniques. Total, acid-extractable and cold-extractable metal extraction methods were compared in order to obtain the best technique applicable to environmental analysis. Extraction techniques for use with easily extractable metals were studied in detail, including their behaviour with respect to organic carbon content and type of lake or river sediment.