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Microwave digestion dissolves metals in acid for atomic emission measurements or absorption. It reduces digestion time and requires proper microwave and sample preparation. Safety and sample preparation rules must be followed, including predigestion for unknown or reactive samples. Cooling periods must also be adhered to.
Elementary scientists use microwave digestion as an acid digestion method to dissolve metals for the purpose of obtaining atomic emission measurements or to obtain atomic absorption. Therefore, microwave digestion is defined as a technique used to dissolve metals in acid by increasing both temperature and pressure through the application of radiation. Microwave ovens designed for laboratory use are the tools commonly used to carry out the process. The inherent benefits of the process revolve around reducing the time required to reach digestion, which is a matter of minutes through the implementation of microwave digestion, compared to hours using other viable methods such as hot plate digestion. Crucial to conducting the process safely and accurately, however, is ensuring that both the microwave and the sample are prepared correctly.
The preparation of the microwave oven to process the microwave digestion sample safely and efficiently is important to the process. Safety issues revolve around knowing how to operate your microwave properly. The instructions for doing this vary between the different models used in the labs. Therefore, students and scientists should review the oven’s instruction manual before attempting to use it. Additionally, laboratories usually post specific policies for operating such equipment on site, and users should familiarize themselves with and comply with those policies.
On the other hand, sample preparation is quite uniform regardless of the preparer. While some samples are prepared a little differently than others, all samples will have certain preparation rules that must be followed. Performing the process involves placing an acidic solution inside a vessel that can handle acidic solutions and radiation, then dropping the sample into the vessel before sealing it. Sample preparation requires it to be clean and dry before subjecting it to acid, while the vessel adheres to the same standards. Additional moisture or particles may cause the microwave oven interior to heat up and melt the container containing the solution, creating a hazardous situation.
Predigestion is also an important step to take when preparing unknown samples for microwave digestion. This is also a mandatory step if the sample is suspected to contain reactive substances. Typically, the process involves preparing the sample in advance and then leaving the vessel on the counter for a period of at least 15 minutes to discern a reaction before subjecting the sample to microwave digestion. Also, regardless of the sample, it is important to note that once digestion is complete, all laboratories will have indicated a recommended cooling period before removal from the microwave oven. All users will be required to adhere to the posted policy to reduce the risk of a dangerous incident.
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