Use of microwaved digestion microwaves focused as an alternative to the preparation of samples

Author(s)

Tan Chun Shan

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ)
• Defense date: 2002-12-16

Examining board members

Elisabeth de Oliveira; Francisco Jose Krug; Fabio Rodrigo Piovezani Rocha

• Advisor: Elisabeth de Oliveira
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Indexed in: Banco de Dados Bibliográficos da USP-DEDALUS
• Location: Universidade de São Paulo. Biblioteca do Conjunto das Químicas; CQ T/543.02; S528u

Abstract

In this work the use of polypropylene vials adapted at focused m1crowaves, as alternative method for sample preparation is proposed. The sample pre-treatment in digestion vials include some desirable characteristics like increase of analytical frequency, low sample mass and low reagents consumption. To check the efficiency of the digestion system the development of a methodology for copper, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc determination using graphite furnace or flame atomic absorption spectrometry was performed. The selected elements are essential for human individual, nutritional indicators and required for enzymatic working. The digestion system is constituted of a focused microwave oven, a glass tube with 30 cm length and 4 cm width, where are setting four or five polypropylene vials with capacity for 4.0 mL and 2.0 mL, respectively, through a Teflon® support assisted by glass haste. The proposed system allowed a drastic reduction of sample preparation time and improved the decomposition efficiency (lower carbon residual content) comparing with conventional methods. The \"almost closed\" system associated with the low temperature avoids elements losses and improve heating homogeneity among the vials. The accuracy of the methodology was ascertained through good recoveries for a certificate reference material (IAEA-086) analysis and good recovery of spiked sample analysis, presenting recovery 90 to 103%. (AU)