Determination of Total Sulphur Content in Biological Samples by Using High Performance Ion Chromatography and Elemental Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this work was the assessment of total sulphur (S) content in the plants with the highest S metabolic needs and different natural and artificial fertilizers by using a High Performance Ion Chromatographic (HPIC) method and Elemental analysis (EA). 7 plants and 11 diferent fertilizers were prepared by digestion and oxidation with a mixture of perchloric and nitric acid. The HPIC method was performed with a Shimadzu Ion Chromatograph equipped with conductivity detector CDD-10A. For an EA, samples of plants and fertilizers were analyzed in an elemental analyzer LECO SC-132. The total S content in analysed plants varies from 1,85 mg S/g to 0,30 mg S/g; and in fertilizers varies from 15,82 mg S/g to 0,71 mg S/g. The used HPIC method and EA are simple, sensitive, and accurate methods that can be appliedas a reliable analytical tool for the determination of total S content in the fertilizers and plant material. Results of this analysis suggest consumption of brocoli as a significant natural source of organo-sulphur compounds and could recommend soil fertilization with sheep and rabbit manure for the cultivation of the plants with a highest S metabolic needs.