In order to trace element contents using atomic spectrometry techniques, all samples typically need to be digested to convert the solid samples into a solution form prior to the measurements. Many procedures have been developed to shorten the analysis time and to minimize problems that are associated with solid sample pretreatment, such as sample contamination and analyte loss. Among these procedures, microwave digestion of solid samples followed by an ICP-MS analysis is a powerful approach to the complete decomposition and accurate determination of metals in samples.
The treatment of sample has incorporated digestion for microwaves which use electromagnetic radiation to desorb the analyte and digest the organic matter. The difference between this kind of warming and conventional systems is that digestion is produced in the bosom of the dissolution and not for convection from an external source, producing an homogeneous and effective warming. The advantage of digestion with microwave oven versus digestion in a conventional open glass is the possibility of controlling the parameters of pressure and temperature, or the possibility of digest sample in reduced times; hence the speed of warming is very high.
