COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE TOTAL HEAVY METAL CONTENT IN SOIL SAMPLES USING X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY AND INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA OPTICAL EMISSION SPECTROMETRY

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of the total heavy metal content in soil samples collected from territories adjacent to Rudnyi, Kostanay region. Under conditions of long-term technogenic pressure associated with mining activities, instrumental verification of analytical methods for determining the total elemental composition of soils is essential for a comprehensive assessment of environmental contamination. The aim of the research was to evaluate the comparability and convergence of results obtained for the determination of total Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, As, Cr, and Co using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The methodology involved microwave-assisted acid digestion of soil samples using an HNO₃–HCl mixture followed by ICP-OES analysis of the resulting solutions, as well as direct XRF solid-phase analysis. Statistical data processing included the calculation of mean concentrations, relative deviations, and correlation coefficients. The results demonstrate satisfactory agreement between the two analytical techniques in determining the total content of the studied elements. XRF proved to be an efficient rapid screening tool, whereas ICP-OES provided higher analytical sensitivity and analytical accuracy. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of a reliable methodological framework for environmental soil monitoring and for assessing technogenic impacts on cultivated lands in Northern Kazakhstan.