Rapid sample preparation using closed-vessel microwave digestion for determining trace metals in fish tissue and sediment

Two microwave digestion procedures using closed vessels with pressure relie f septa were developed for sample preparation of fish tissue and sediment, prior to emission spectroscopic analysis for trace metals. Nitric and perch loric acids were used for the fish tissue digestion; and nitric, hydrochlor ic and hydrofluoric acids for the sediment digestion. The performance of th e digestion procedures were evaluated relative to open beaker digestion usi ng international reference material, as well as real samples. Analyses were conducted with an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Emission Spectrometer. The closed vessel digestions showed more complete digestion and less contam ination from the air than open beaker digestion.