Using oyster shell in soil augmentation is an ancient practice. This great source of Calcium, Magnesium , and other essential nutrients is also widely used in aquaculture and water treatment.Oyster Shell Chemical Analysis, total, by ICP-Average
The respective average concentrations were:
Calcium (Ca) 396.4 mg/g
Sodium (Na) 5.536 mg/g
Magnesium (Mg) 2.136 mg/g
Strontium (Sr) 890.6 ppm
Iron (Fe) 67.89 ppm
Aluminum (Al) 45.74 ppm
Phosphorus (P) 27.19 ppm
Boron (B) 12.17 ppm
Manganese (Mn) 2.308 ppm
Copper (Cu) 1.050 ppm
Zinc (Zn) 0.7180 ppm.
Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Vanadium (V) were below detection limits with ICP-AES.
Sincerely,
Joe Manduke R.G.
902-436-6843
Joseph Manduke, P.G. R.G. CEM
Licensed Geologist/Hydrogeologist
Certified Environmental Manager
Although oyster shell chemistry varies by locale and variety, the shells are essentially Calcium/Magnesium blend and are mineralogically Aragonite. Trace element concentrations vary, but toxics such as Lead and Cadmium tend to be very low or non-detectable.
