MICROWAVE SAMPLE PREPARATION IN INORGANIC ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS (REVIEW)

Sample preparation is an inherent part of virtually every procedure of elemental analysis. In turn, this stage can include operations such a s the distillation of the liquid phase, drying, decomposition as trans formation of the phase composition of the sample, the separation of co mponents, the preconcentration of microelements, etc. So far sample pr eparation represents the most critical stage of the analytical cycle [ 1-4] from the standpoint of the quality of the results of the analysis , the duration, and the cost. During the last years the efforts of the analysts have been concentrated to a significant degree on the develo pment of new approaches and methods of sample preparation, which are a s reliable as the classical methods, but simpler, less hazardous, more rapid, and less costly. Modern methods and approaches to sample prepa ration [2] are based on the use of highly aggressive agents [5-7], ele vated pressures and temperatures [8, 9], catalysis [4, 10], and also o f various physical fields (acoustic, electromagnetic), in particular u ltrasound [11], UHF, or microwave radiation. The aim of the present ar ticle is to attract the attention of chemists-analysts to the manifold possibilities of using microwave radiation at the sample preparation stage of elemental analysis.