Time saving modified BCR sequential extraction procedure for the fraction of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in sediment samples of polluted lake

The mobility, availability and persistence of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in contaminated lake sediment samples were evaluated by means of sequential extraction scheme, proposed by the Community Bureau of Reference protocol (BCR). The metal content in the extracts was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The precision and accuracy of the proposed procedure were evaluated by using a certified reference material BCR 701. The maximum recoveries for heavy metals (HMs) were observed for all three steps of BCR protocol at 32 h total shaking period instead of previously reported 51 h, with p > 0.05. The lixiviation tests (DIN 38414-S4) were used to evaluate the leaching of HMs from sediment samples and it was observed that levels of water extractable HMs were low as compared to those values obtained by acid-soluble fraction of the BCR protocol.