Protocol for analysis of volcanic ash samples for assessment of hazards from leachable elements

Volcanic eruptions can produce a wide range of hazards. Although phenomena such as pyroclastic density currents and surges, sector collapses, lahars and ballistic blocks are the most destructive and dangerous, volcanic ash is by far the most widely distributed eruption product1 and the most likely to be encountered by the public. Following an eruption, the public, civil authorities and agricultural producers will often have major concerns about the effects of volcanic ash on human and animal health, drinking water supplies, crops, soils and surface runoff. Freshly‐erupted ash contains a range of potentially toxic soluble elements, which may be released either rapidly or more slowly upon contact with water or body fluids.