Boron unveiled: Tracing the Footprints of a Versatile Element
Mitra SK Environmental Testing Services
Independent Testing Services
Boron is a chemical element with atomic number five and it is a trace element that is found in the earth’s crust and solar system. Boron is a metalloid.
Uses:
Modern uses of borate-mineral concentrates, borax, boric acid, and other refined products include glass, fiberglass, washing products, alloys and metals, fertilizers, wood treatments, insecticides, and microbicides. The chemistry of boron is reviewed from the point of view of its possible health effects. It is concluded that boron probably is complexed with hydroxylated species in biologic systems, and that inhibition and stimulation of enzyme and coenzymes are pivotal in its mode of action.
Testing for boron in water and soil is important to ensure that levels are within acceptable limits for both environmental and human health. Here are common methods for testing boron in water:
Azomethine-H Method: This method involves the formation of a coloured complex when azomethine-H reacts with boron. The intensity of the colour is proportional to the boron concentration, which can be measured spectrophotometrically.
Curcumin reacts with boron to form a coloured complex. The colour intensity is measured, and the boron concentration is determined using a spectrophotometer.
ICP-MS is a highly sensitive and accurate method for measuring boron concentrations. It involves the ionization of the sample and mass spectrometric detection.
ISEs specific to boron can be used for direct measurement in water samples. This method is relatively quick and can be done on-site.
This method involves irradiating the water sample with neutrons, which leads to the activation of boron. The emitted radiation is then measured to determine boron concentration.
领英推荐
Boron Testing in Soil:
Boron is extracted from soil samples using hot water, and the concentration is determined using colorimetric methods or ICP-MS.
The soil sample is fused with sodium carbonate, and boron is leached into a solution. The boron concentration is then determined using colorimetric methods or ICP-MS.
Similar to water testing, ICP-MS can be used for soil samples to provide highly accurate measurements of boron concentrations.
XRF can be employed for rapid analysis of boron in soil. This technique involves irradiating the soil sample with X-rays and measuring the resulting fluorescence.
Some portable soil testing kits are available for on-site analysis. These kits may use colorimetric methods or other techniques to estimate boron levels.
It's essential to consult the specific NABL accreditation criteria and guidelines for boron testing of water or soil. Additionally, regulatory requirements for environmental testing may also apply, and adherence to these standards ensures the reliability and acceptance of test results.
NABL-accredited laboratories like Mitra SK use calibrated and well-maintained instruments for boron testing. Common instruments include spectrophotometers, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS), ion-selective electrodes (ISE), or other suitable equipment.
The laboratory follows a standardized method for boron analysis. This could involve colorimetric methods, ICP-MS, ISE, or other approved techniques. The specific method used will depend on the nature of the sample and the required level of precision.
Mitra SK tests Boron in Waste water (Effluents/Sewage) as B according to IS 13428, Annexure H and APHA (24th Edition), 4500-BC; in Water as B according to IS 3025 (Part 2), APHA (24th Edition) 3120 and TPM/MSK/INST./93; Issue No. 1 Issue date: 20/01.
Mitra SK tests Boron in Soils/Sediments using an in-house method, based on "Soil Testing in India (Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India)
#boron #environmentaltesting #waterquality #soilanalysis #sciencebehindtheelement