Determination of readily soluble copper, zinc, and lead in soils and rocks; nitric acid extraction
Procedures for the determination of copper, lead and zinc are described by Almond and Morris (1951); Lakin, Stevens and Almond (1949); and Lovering, Herf and Almond (1950). They are also summarized in U.S. Geological Survey Circular 161. In the procedure given below, a simple attack or the sample with 1+3 nitric acid serves to effect adequate solution of the heavy metals for purposes of geochemical prospecting. Copper, lead, and zinc may be determined on a single sample solution prepared in this way. About 30 samples can be analyzed daily for the constituents.
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