Validation of an optimised microwave-assisted acid digestion method for trace and ultra-trace elements in indoor PM_2.5 by ICP-MS analysis.

ABSTRACT: Three microwave-assisted digestion procedures, followed by analysis of digestates employing inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were evaluated for use in the determination of elements at trace and ultra-trace levels in PM_2.5 samples. Digestion procedure 1 used 2.5 mL HNO₃ (65%) at 200 °C. Procedure 2, consisted of a two-stage digestion step at 200 °C with 2.5 mL HNO₃ (65%) and 3 μL HF (48%) followed by 24 μL H₃BO₃ (5%). A 10-fold increase in the amounts of HF and H₃BO₃ was used for procedure 3. The addition of HF/H₃BO₃ was carried out to aid the dissolution of silicate matrices and refractory compounds. The digestions were carried out using PTFE ultra-trace inserts which increased

SUBMITTER: Camilleri R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9860410 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature