Demand for trace metals analysis in environmental laboratories is growing strongly due to stricter environmental regulations. As demand for lower levels of detection grows, labs are experiencing a significant transition to ICP-MS.  Traditional sample preparation techniques for environmental matrices include hot block digestion, closed vessel microwave digestion, and ashing; all of which include different challenges. Closed vessel microwave digestion is now included in the US EPA official sample preparation methods for most environmental samples.

This technical note demonstrates the compatibility of  closed vessel microwave digestion with official EPA methods.