Soil samples subject of sustainability chemistry clinic

An analytical chemistry clinic dished the dirt on what is in the soil of communities in Cheshire.

By Abby Ragazzon-Smith

As a part of this year’s RSC Chemistry Week, I ran a special walk-in clinic based at Bromley Farm, a community centre in Congleton. Residents were invited to bring soil samples from their gardens and allotments from different areas of Congleton and the surrounding areas to the sustainability-centric clinic.

Armed with a portable X-ray fluorescent (XRF) analyser, I explained the purpose of this session and the nature of the methodology to help attendees understand the chemistry involved. After the data collection, I discussed the results with all attendees, evaluating soil quality and explaining how heavy metals can have a detrimental effect on human and animal health.

Many of the attendees asked questions about soil remediation and acidity. In some cases, the discussion also explored the differences between front and rear gardens, with front gardens having a higher concentration of lead due to road pollution.

Attendees were very surprised at the use of XRF and the quick turnover of data, with the event warmly welcomed by the community centre and proving a hit with attendees.