CadmiumCheck for Soil: Applications Note
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Background: Cadmium contamination of soil and groundwater occurs as a by product of industrial processes such as metal fabrication or plating, and from the manufacture of batteries. When used in conjunction with LeadCheck® Soil, CadmiumCheck™ Swabs can provide valuable information about the cadmium content of soils. Method: Follow the standard LeadCheck® Soil instructions for sample preparation. Use the modified extraction procedure described below to screen the extract for cadmium. Add 3 level spoonfuls of soil to the reaction bottle. Mix and allow to settle as directed. Using one of the droppers provided, place 2 drops of liquid from the reaction bottle into a well on the reaction tray. Neutralize the extract to pH 7.0 by adding 1 drop of 1N NaOH (not supplied). Activate a CadmiumCheck™ Swab and rub the tip directly into the neutralized extract. If cadmium is present, the tip of the swab will turn a peach color. (This may require several minutes.) Sensitivity: The detection limit for soil samples spiked with Cadmium Nitrate is approximately 500ppm. This detection limit may vary with naturally occurring differences in soil chemistry.