Kokonaispitoisuudet

Kokonaispitoisuudet, often translated as total concentrations, refers to the sum of all forms of a specific substance present in a sample. This is distinct from measuring only a single, often more bioavailable or reactive, form of that substance. For example, in environmental chemistry, one might measure the total concentration of a metal like lead in soil, which includes both dissolved lead ions and lead bound within mineral structures. Similarly, in water quality analysis, total phosphorus includes all dissolved and particulate forms of phosphorus.

Understanding total concentrations is crucial in various fields. In environmental monitoring, it provides a comprehensive picture of the overall load of a pollutant. For instance, total nitrogen in a lake encompasses all organic and inorganic nitrogen compounds, giving a better indication of potential eutrophication than measuring only nitrate or ammonia. In industrial processes, total solids in a liquid stream might be a key parameter for process control or waste treatment.

The measurement of total concentrations typically involves sample preparation steps designed to convert all forms of the substance into a measurable state. This can involve digestion with strong acids, oxidation, or other chemical treatments to break down complex matrices or release bound elements. Analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, or ion chromatography are then used to quantify the total amount of the element or compound. Contrasting total concentrations with dissolved or labile fractions provides valuable insights into the behavior, fate, and potential impact of substances within their environment.