Single Reaction Chamber Microwave Digestion of Highly Organic Matrices
Application Notebook
Sample matrices with high organic content have created a significant challenge for sample preparation methods.
Sample matrices with high organic content have created a significant challenge for sample preparation methods. Several techniques that have been used to obtain high quality multi-element ICP-OES/ICP-MS data for trace metals analysis, including microwave digestion or a combination of high temperature ashing with digestion, do not provide a solution for all samples. Samples with high organic content, such as polymers, plastics, solvents, petroleum products, and some nutraceutical supplements present additional challenges for the conventional microwave digestion approach, with temperatures and pressures generated during the acid digestion step that are often out of range for traditional vessels. Additionally, a second limitation involves the inability to process multiple sample types or different acid combinations simultaneously.
Table I: Mixed organic samples for digestion
Results and Data
Single reaction chamber (SRC) technology has recently been described as a technique with the capability of digesting several different sample types simultaneously, including difficult catalysts and highly organic samples. Milestone's UltraWAVE microwave digestion system was used to digest a number of highly organic polymer matrices in disposable glass vials simultaneously, which has been shown to generate pressures exceeding those of conventional closed vessels. The program selected used a 15 min ramp to 160 °C, and then 15 min to 260 °C, followed by a 15 min hold time at 260 °C. Following digestion, the samples were concentrated to a volume of 1 mL, then diluted to 10 mL with deionized water and analyzed on an Agilent 7700 ICP-MS in Helium mode.
Table II: ICP-MS analysis of mixed organic matrices following single-reaction chamber digestion
Conclusion
The UltraWAVE is able to digest a number of difficult organic samples simultaneously, enabling independent sample types to be processed in a single operation. Both the design and capability allow difficult organic samples to be processed without time spent on method development work on a per sample basis.
Milestone, Inc.
25 Controls Drive, Shelton, CT 06484
tel. (866) 995-5100, fax (203) 925-4241
Website: www.milestonesci.com
Applications of Micro X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Food and Agricultural Products
January 25th 2025In recent years, advances in X-ray optics and detectors have enabled the commercialization of laboratory μXRF spectrometers with spot sizes of ~3 to 30 μm that are suitable for routine imaging of element localization, which was previously only available with scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). This new technique opens a variety of new μXRF applications in the food and agricultural sciences, which have the potential to provide researchers with valuable data that can enhance food safety, improve product consistency, and refine our understanding of the mechanisms of elemental uptake and homeostasis in agricultural crops. This month’s column takes a more detailed look at some of those application areas.
Testing Solutions for Metals and PFAS in Water
January 22nd 2025When it comes to water analysis, it can be challenging for labs to keep up with ever-changing testing regulations while also executing time-efficient, accurate, and risk-mitigating workflows. To ensure the safety of our water, there are a host of national and international regulators such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Union (EU) that demand stringent testing methods for drinking water and wastewater. Those methods often call for fast implementation and lengthy processes, as well as high sensitivity and reliable instrumentation. This paper explains how your ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and LC-MS-MS workflows can be optimized for compliance with the latest requirements for water testing set by regulations like US EPA methods 200.8, 6010, 6020, and 537.1, along with ISO 17294-2. It will discuss the challenges faced by regulatory labs to meet requirements and present field-proven tips and tricks for simplified implementation and maximized uptime.
Practical Autodilution for ICP-MS and ICP-OES
January 20th 2025Gain insights into improving efficiency and accuracy in elemental analysis through automated dilution technology. Learn about the key capabilities of the Agilent ADS 2 system and its seamless integration with ICP-MS and ICP-OES workflows.
UV-Vis Spectroscopy: Exporting Your Measurement Out of the Instrument
January 20th 2025Optical fibers in ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy can enable measurements outside the traditional sample compartment. This paper details the components needed for fiber optic systems, such as couplers and probes, and reviews the performance of Agilent's Cary series instruments. It is crucial to choose the right fiber optic setup for a specific lab’s needs to ensure accurate and efficient measurements.
