Microwave-Induced Combustion in Disposable Vessels: A Novel Perspective for Sample Digestion

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Trace element determination is crucial in various scientific fields.
• Traditional sample digestion methods can be time-consuming and require large reagent volumes.
• Developing efficient and cost-effective digestion techniques is essential for routine analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel microwave-induced combustion in disposable vessels (MIC-DV) system for sample digestion.
• To validate the MIC-DV system for trace element determination in botanical samples using ICP-OES.
• To evaluate the system's efficiency, accuracy, and precision compared to conventional methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modified microwave-induced combustion system using disposable polypropylene vessels.
• Digestion of botanical samples using the MIC-DV system with varying sample masses and absorbing solutions.
• Determination of trace elements (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, Zn) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Main Results:

• The MIC-DV system successfully digested botanical samples for trace element analysis.
• Accurate results were obtained, with agreement to certified values ranging from 92% to 108%.
• High precision was achieved, with results below 15% for all analytes.

Conclusions:

• The proposed MIC-DV system is a viable and efficient method for trace element determination.
• The system offers advantages such as low reagent consumption, low energy usage, and cost-effectiveness.
• MIC-DV is suitable for both research and routine trace element analysis in botanical samples.