A study of plant sample preparation and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry parameters

Adjustable parameters of an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP) are investigated and a digestion method of plant samples is developed which does not require the use of HClO4. This HNO3-H2O2 wet digestion method eliminates the hazards associated with hot, concentrated HClO4. The adjustable parameters of ICP are viewing height, forward power as well as the sample, coolant, auxiliary, and flushing gas flow rates, and the sample uptake flow rate. The digestion parameters examined are the type and amount of the applied acids (HNO3, HCl, and H2SO4), the temperature and duration of predigestion, the amount of H2O2, and the temperature and duration of digestion. Three plant samples (maize seed, wheat straw, and sunflower seed) and three dry weights are analyzed. The optimal parameters of the ICP spectrometer and HNO3-H2O2 wet digestion for plants are determined. Optimal parameters of HNO3-H2O2 wet digestion sample preparation: [GRAPHICS] Optimal parameters of the ICP instrument: [GRAPHICS] activity.