Comparison of three techniques to determine al content in micro‐samples of plant material

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Abstract
Comparisons are made of three methods of Al analysis in microsamples (.ltoreq. 100 mg) of plant material. Direct current plasma emission spectrometry (DCP), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS), and pyrocatechol violet (PCV) all gave comparable results for the plant materials analyzed. The importance of adequate sample dissolution of digested samples prior to analysis by PCV was strikingly apparent. Our results indicate that to insure complete information of reactive Al species to complex with the dye that a combination of 12 N HCl and a 1 hr heat treatment at 70.degree. C in a steam bath is necessary. Residue decomposition of materials with HF acid resulted in more apparent Al only by DCP analysis. Contribution of the residue to the total Al content varied between 7 and 14%.