Evaluation of Temporal Leachability of Strontium from Building Materials to Environment

The presented article covers very current issues regarding the assessment of trace element release from building materials to the natural environment. Strontium belongs to the trace elements mentioned in the group of potential reference chemical markers of the building materials. The leachability of strontium from monolithic samples was determined on sedimentary and igneous stone materials as well as ceramic materials: bricks. 40 samples were analyzed in which the leachability of the subjective element for 8 temporal fractions was determined. The research methodology was implemented in accordance with the applicable standard requirements. Execution of water extracts took place in accordance with EN NEN 7375:2004 standard. The mineralization of aquatic eluates was prepared according to the PN-EN ISO 11885 standard. The strontium concentration was determined using the ICP sequential plasma-emission spectrometer. Research for pH measurement was performed using a pH-meter CP-105 waterproof IP67 ELMATRON calibrated with buffer solutions of pH 4 and 7. The highest strontium content in the aquatic eluates was identified in bricks ranging from 0.06-0.47 mg/l. From the group of the sedimentary rocks the highest leachability of this element was determined in the opoka-rocks at its maximum content of 0.28 mg/l and in the sandstones 0.05 mg/l. Water extracts from the igneous stone materials did not show the presence of strontium.