Heavy Metal Residues Testing

Heavy metal pollution of the soil refers to that the content of trace metal elements in the soil exceeds the background value due to human activities and excessive deposition. Heavy metal residues in the soil can cause deterioration of the ecological environment. The toxic heavy metal residues in the soil are mainly elements with significant biological toxicity such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and metalloid arsenic (As) and so on. Heavy metal residues in the soil are mainly derived from pesticides, waste water, sludge and atmospheric deposition, etc. For example, mercury is mainly from wastewater; cadmium, lead pollution is mainly from smelter emissions and automotive exhaust emissions; arsenic is widely used as pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides and herbicides. Excessive heavy metals can arouse physiological dysfunction and malnutrition of plants. Cadmium, mercury and other elements have a high accumulation coefficient in crop seeds. Even if the content of heavy metal in crop seeds has exceeded the food hygiene standards, it will not affect crop growth, development and yield. In addition, mercury and arsenic can weaken and inhibit nitrification and ammoniation of bacteria in the soil and further influence the supply of nitrogen. Heavy metal contaminants are often with little mobility in the soil and are not easily degraded by microorganisms. Heavy metals remain in biologically accessible states for extended periods of time, which means that they can bio-accumulate in fruits, vegetables and potentially humans. When heavy metals in the soil enter the human body via the food chain, there is a great potential of hazard. It is important to try our best to diminish heavy metal contamination to the soil in our daily activities. Especially, in the mineral exploitation industry, some waste stones and tailings are sometimes piled up at will, resulting in the heavy metals in the tailings enter into the soil. In addition, the remaining metal residues after the ore processing can also enter the groundwater system together with rainwater and contaminate the soil.

It is necessary to test common soil contaminants in order to determine whether the soil requires remediation to prevent potential contamination.

Alfa Chemistry can provide comprehensive heavy metal tests for any product from soil to food using state-of-the-art analysis instruments such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS, XRF etc. Our experts are well-trained and experienced. Our service concept is fast turnaround time, accurate data, better service and lower cost. No matter what your concern is, we are always ready to help. If you have any problems regarding heavy metal residues testing, please contact us without hesitation.