Ensuring High-Quality Trace Element Data in Solid Environmental Samples Using Microwave-Assisted Acid Digestion

Ensuring Reliable Data
Poster Presentation

Prepared by A. Stell, E. Hasty, S. Heckle
CEM Corporation, 3100 Smith Farm Rd., Matthews, NC, 28106, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 704-821-7015

ABSTRACT

Trace element content is heavily regulated in both the United States and the European Union for environmental samples. These environmental samples can be difficult to work with, particularly solid samples such as soils and sludges. Ensuring data quality that is accurate and reproducible is essential to meet these regulations. This study outlines the use of microwave-assisted acid digestion using either U.S. EPA Method 3051A or EN ISO 54321:2020 to achieve quality results. The use of microwave-assisted acid digestion is a rapid, efficient, and robust approach that that can meet the low detection limits required for these solid environmental samples. Standard reference materials as well as a variety of complex soil samples were analyzed via ICP-OES following microwave-assisted acid digestion. These results demonstrate reliable data, as excellent recovery and reproducibility was achieved for all samples analyzed. The findings confirm that EPA Method 3051A and EN ISO 54321:2020 are suitable and robust methodologies for generating high-quality analytical data.