BS EN 16318:2013+A1:2016

What is BS EN 16318-Chromium (VI) in fertilizers and liming materials about? 

BS EN 16318 is a standard that serves technical specifications for Chromium (VI) in fertilizers and liming materials, enabling the accurate quantification of toxic Cr (VI) in fertilizers and liming materials. 

BS EN 16318 specifies two methods for determining the content of soluble chromate in fertilizers and liming materials. 

In BS EN 16318, method A specifies the determination of chromate after extraction with water by photometry. This method can be used to determine Cr (VI)-mass fractions in solids higher than 1 mg/kg. 

In BS EN 16318, method B specifies the determination of chromate by alkaline digestion and ion chromatography with spectrophotometric detection. This method can be used to determine Cr(VI)-mass fractions in solids higher than 0.1 mg/kg. 

Note 1: In the case of reducing or oxidizing fertilizer matrix, no valid Cr(VI) content can be reported. 

Note 2: The term fertilizer is used throughout BS EN 16318 and includes liming materials unless otherwise indicated. 

Who is BS EN 16318-Chromium (VI) in fertilizers and liming materials for? 

BS EN 16318 on Chromium (VI) in fertilizers and liming materials applies to: 

• Manufacturers of fertilizers and liming materials 
• Dealers and importers of fertilizers and liming materials
• Testing labs for fertilizers and liming materials 
• Safety assurance services 
• Regulatory bodies 

Why should you use BS EN 16318-Chromium (VI) in fertilizers and liming materials? 

Heavy metal stress interacts with other vital minerals in plants, affecting nutrient absorption. By producing insoluble compounds, chromium inhibits nutrient absorption in soil. Limiting chromium in fertilizers is essential to promote plant growth and prevent soil toxicity. 

BS EN 16318 provides users guidance on photometry and ion chromatography with spectrophotometric detection methods for detection of chromium in fertilizers and liming materials. BS EN 16318 also provides users with a step-by-step procedure for the methods, ensuring users do the techniques correctly. 

BS EN 16318 provides users guidance on sampling, sample preparation, photometry method, ion chromatography method, precision, and test report ensuring the safety and operability of fertilizers and liming materials in agricultural applications. 

The adoption of BS EN 16318 allows users to determine chromium (VI) in fertilizers and liming materials, enabling users to regulate the presence of chromate according to regulatory requirements.