I have to calculate enrichment factor of trace metals Hg, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni,and Zn according to the formula EF=(M/Fe )sample/(M/Fe)background (M/Fe) sample is the ratio of given metal and reference metal (Fe) concentration in the sample (sediment) and (M/Fe) background is the ratio of metal and Fe concentration in the background, in my study I have taken the values before 1900s (20 -30cm) as background values but Ni’s background value comes zero by that calculation. Now what should be done in such a case? Shall I calculate Ef of Ni only by considering values before 1944 as background while for all the remaining metals (Hg, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Co, and Zn) the background values will be as those before 1900s as. Or should I take before 1944 as background value for all the trace metals?? Please guide me in this regard! Thank you so much.
Have a look at the "Handbook of Geochemistry by K. H. Wedepohl (2012) Springer" where you can find each and every element and its background values in a wide range of host environments. You need not calculate these values
I believe the use of enrichment factors (EFs) assume the use of a "universal" mean of elements like the example given by Harald G. Dill of Wedepohl in his response to this question. There are other calculations of global elemental means by others, like Taylor & McLennan (1985) or McLennan's recent work in G3 from about 2001. I would say determine which reference metal mean concentration is most commonly used in your industry and report which publication you used in the Methods section of your report/publication. This would allow you to compare results from multiple areas and studies and variation over time.
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