Metal toxicity assessment in soils using enzymatic activity: Can water be used as a surrogate buffer?

► Using different solvents does not change Zn lability in a soil solution. ► The soil pH does not fluctuate in enzymatic assays (EA) conducted in water. ► EA results of soils conducted in pH buffer are correlated to those in water. ► Water can be used as surrogate buffer for soil enzymatic assays.