Wet Digestion Methods

Sample preparation is the critical step of any analytical protocol, and involves steps from simple dilution to partial or total digestion. The present review focuses on wet digestion methods used for solid and liquid sample pre-treatment. The methods include wet decomposition and dissolution of the organic and inorganic samples, in open and closed systems, using thermal and radiant (ultraviolet and microwave) energy. The present and future tendencies for sample preparation also involve on-line decomposition and vapor-phase acid digestion. The intent is not to present the procedural details for the various samples, but rather to highlight the methods which are unique to each instrumental technique exist for the elemental analysis. The advantages and disadvantages of the various wet digestion methods have been emphasized. The bibliography accompanying this review should aid the analytical chemist in his/her search for the detailed preparation protocols.