The Quality of Element Determinations in Plant Materials by Instrumental Methods

Abstract

abstract This report presents an assessment of uncertainty related to sampling, sample preparation and analysis of plants. This specific issue is illustrated by examples derived from biogeochemical studies performed primarily in the Holy Cross Mountains (Gory świetokrzyskie), as well as from interlaboratory compara-tive analyses made in the Central Chemical Laboratory of the Polish Geological Institute in Warsaw and other European laboratories. The chemistry of plants is affected by many environmental and biological variables that must be considered when sampling a given species or its part/organ. These variables consid-erably modify the uptake of elements from soils, rocks, water and air. The better we understand all these interrelationships that influence the chemical variability in plants, the more clear picture of uncertainty we obtain. Another problem that cannot be overlooked is sample preparation, as well as analytical method and technique used. These three principal stages influence the quality of results obtained, and consequently, the adequate assessment of environment quality.