Determining the chemical forms of elements
Fractioning of elements for their study in the environment

There are two main types of method for understanding the distribution of trace elements ("fractionation"): physical (or direct) methods and chemical (or indirect) methods. In the case of physical methods, the fractionation of the element in question is approached directly, using non-destructive analytical means in the sense that the structure containing or sorbing the element is not modified. In the case of chemical methods, the element is taken out of its structural context by chemical...