Treatment A. For analyzing soluble hydrated and weakly complex
bound minerals in transparent liquid samples, a simple acidification
by addition of HCl was used. The acidification was done by adding0.1 mL of 0.5 M HCl and 0.1 mL of ascorbic acid (20 g/L) to 0.8 mL
of sample. The solution was then vortex mixed and centrifuged at
12000g for 10 min. If necessary, the supernatant was ultrafiltered
through an acid-washed Microcon YM-30 centrifugal filter before
injection on the chromatographic system. For analyzing soluble minerals
in turbid liquid samples, the acidification can be applied to the
supernatant after centrifugation (12000g for 10 min). For total mineral
analysis in turbid liquids, a leaching or a microwave (MW) digestion
procedure is necessary.