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Pressurized wet digestion in open vessels.
B Maichin1, M Zischka, G Knapp
1Institute for Analytical Chemistry, Micro- and Radiochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Technikerstrasse 4, 8010, Graz, Austria.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|June 13, 2003
Summary
This study adapted the High Pressure Asher (HPA-S) for pressurized wet digestion, enabling efficient sample preparation for trace element analysis. The method minimizes volatile element loss and cross-contamination, ensuring accurate results for diverse materials.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Traditional sample digestion methods can lead to losses of volatile elements.
- Pressurized digestion offers a potential solution to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt and evaluate the High Pressure Asher (HPA-S) for pressurized wet digestion in open vessels.
- To assess the method's effectiveness for analyzing volatile elements and measuring total organic carbon (TOC).
Main Methods:
- The High Pressure Asher (HPA-S) was modified with a Teflon liner for pressurized wet digestion up to 100 bars and 270°C.
- Digestion was performed in quartz or PFA-Teflon vessels using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide.
- Analysis included certified reference materials for volatile elements (Hg, Se, As) and TOC measurements for various matrices.
Main Results:
- The method demonstrated accurate analysis of volatile elements in certified reference materials with no observed cross-contamination.
- Element volatilization losses were minimal, occurring only with diluted nitric acid and large-section vessels.
- Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis of diverse samples showed residual carbon content between 0.2-10%.
Conclusions:
- The adapted High Pressure Asher (HPA-S) provides an effective and reliable method for pressurized wet digestion.
- This technique is suitable for accurate determination of volatile elements and TOC in various sample types.
- The high-pressure environment minimizes element loss, enhancing analytical data integrity.