The accuracy of analytical results in response to the use of different additives ($NH_4Cl$, KCl, $LaCl_3$) and oxidant gases was evaluated and compared by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Identification of spectroscopic interferences and possible improvements in Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis were also discussed. The average accuracies of total chromium using Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) were found to be 72.1~94.2% in air/acetylene flame condition by AAS, and they were improved to 100.5~110.5% when the oxidants was changed to nitrous oxide rather than adding the additives. The field samples showed similar trends to CRMs, but chromium concentrations were highly variable depending on analytical conditions. The average accuracies using CRMs were estimated to be 89.3~166.1% by ICP-AES, and improved to below 121.7% after eliminating iron interference. Field samples with low chromium and high iron concentration were measured to be > 30% lower in total chromium concentrations by ICP-AES than AAS in nitrous oxide/acetylene flame. Total chromium concentrations in soil could be analyzed with better accuracy under nitrous oxide/acetylene flame by AAS because it was more effective to increase the temperature of the flame than to eliminate the chemical interference for maximizing atomization of chromium. When using ICP-AES, interference substances, total chromium levels, and analytical conditions should be also considered.

Keywords: Soil;Chromium;FAAS;ICP-AES;Interferences;