This microwave extraction method is designed to mimic extraction using conventional heating with nitric and hydrochloric acid. Since this method is not intended to accomplish total decomposition of the sample, the extracted analyte concentration may not reflect the total content in the sample. This method determines the concentration of Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Zn and additional elements as requested utilizing a nitric acid/hydrochloric acid closed vessel microwave digestion. Analysis is by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The approximate method detection limit is 1 mg/kg for all elements except cadmium (0.1 mg/kg) and phosphorus (0.001%).
Sample material must be ground to a powder fine enough to pass through a 60 mesh screen (<0.25 mm).
Sample amount requested: 3 g
Questions concerning limited sample size can be answered by the UC Davis Analytical Laboratory
SW-846 Test Method 3051A: Microwave Assisted Acid Digestion of Sediments, Sludges, Soils and Oils. United States Environmental Protection Agency.
CEM Application Note for Acid Digestion SW846-3051
