What is BS EN 16317-Arsenic in fertilizers and liming materials about?
BS EN 16317 is a European standard that serves technical specifications for arsenic in fertilizers and liming materials, enabling the regulation and prevention of arsenic in fertilizers that complies with required regulations.
BS EN 16317 specifies a method for determining the content of arsenic in fertilizers and liming materials using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) after aqua regia dissolution.
BS EN 16317 specifies limits of quantification are dependent on the sample matrix as well as on the instrument but can roughly be expected to be 1.5 mg/kg for As.
Note: The term fertilizer is used throughout BS EN 16317 and includes liming materials unless otherwise indicated.
Who is BS EN 16317-Arsenic in fertilizers and liming materials for?
BS EN 16317 on arsenic in fertilizers and liming materials applies to:
- Manufacturers of fertilizers
- Dealers and importers of fertilizers
- Testing labs for fertilizers
- Safety assurance services
- Regulatory bodies
Why should you use BS EN 16317-Arsenic in fertilizers and liming materials?
Arsenic is a heavy metal that is found in fertilizers. Heavy metals such as arsenic can cause stunted growth, chlorosis, root browning, decline and death in plants. In soil, heavy metals can also affect vital microbial processes and decrease the number and activity of soil microorganisms.
BS EN 16317 provides users guidance on principle, reagents, apparatus, procedure, calculations, expression of results, precision, and test report to detect and limit the presence of arsenic in fertilizers to prevent toxicity in plants and soil.
BS EN 16317 provides users guidance on the inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) method. BS EN 16317 also provides users with a step-by-step procedure for the method, enabling users to do the technique correctly.
The adoption of BS EN 16317 allows users to assess and develop fertilizers, ensuring safety, usability and performance in agricultural applications.
