Fully Automated Analysis of TOC in Soil and Other Agricultural Samples

Tuesday, March 09, 2021: 2:10 PM - 2:30 PM

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Description

The carbon contained in soil has different sources and effects on the soil‘s quality. Total inorganic carbon (TIC), mainly carbonate and bicarbonate, is a natural part of soil but can also derive from artificial addition, e.g. fertilizers. Total organic carbon (TOC) is generated by organic matter that is present from natural sources (plants, animals, microorganisms, degradation processes) and is a precondition for soil formation and for the preservation of its fertility. For example, topsoil rich in humus is subject to special protection. The humus content in such soils typically ranges from 1 – 8%, which equals a TOC range from 0,5 – 4%, meaning the humus content is typically twice the TOC concentration. This makes TOC an important parameter in agricultural soil classification and environmental protection. For this purpose, elemental analysis techniques based on high-temperature combustion of all sample components, followed by NDIR detection of the formed CO2, have proven best suited. Different practical examples show how modern analytical laboratories can benefit from innovative technologies for fully automated TOC analysis in soil and other agricultural samples.

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Track(s)

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  Environmental

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Additional Info

Keywords: Please select up to 4 keywords ONLY:
Environmental - Soils, Hazardous Waste,Instrumentation,Total Organic Carbon,Agriculture