Comparison of USEPA Digestion Methods for Trace Metal Analysis Using SRM

The importance of a proper sample preparation and analysis technique has getting attention due to the complicity of toxic elements of interest from environmental samples depend on analytical purposes. It is critical to use proper analytical method to evaluate trace elements concentration in many environmental samples especially for making remediation decisions. Therefore, it is critical to apply a proper sampling and analytical method such as EPA publication SW-846 (Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/chemical Methods). The objective of this study was to compare the USEPA Methods 3050B, modified 3050B, 305 la, and KBSI method (modified EPA 3052 Method) in term of recovery rate of metals. The NIST SRM (Montana soil) was used to compare the extraction and digestion efficiency. After sample has been collected the analysis were achieved by ICP-MS (Elan 6100, Perkin Elmer) as well as ICP-AES (Ultima 2C, JY) for trace elements and major elements.