Rapid determination of total metals: synergic effect of ultrasound energy and ionic liquids on the digestion of sediment samples

The aim of this study was to develop a new and rapid sample digestion procedure for metal extraction using ultrasonic energy together with combination an ionic liquid mineral acids as extractants. A fixed mass sediment (about 0.50 g) extracted low volumes NaHCO3, HCl, HNO3, HF the Bmim[BF4]. Afterwards, mixture sonicated 20 min. After neutralizing hydrofluoric acid excess, extracts were filtered measured by ICP OES where Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb Zn determined. recoveries in certified reference materials ranged from 92 102% LGC-6137, 88 98% IAEA SL-1 81 MURST-ISS-A1, good precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 10.0% all materials). successfully applied determination metals estuarine samples, satisfactory (RSD 9.5%). results showed no significant statistical differences compared those obtained conventional (with α-error 0.05). This approach has led total concentrations most elements studied shorter analysis times than procedure, small acid. pretreatment method made it possible satisfactorily assess sediments.