In Biochemistry and Chemistry, different types of samples are used for chemical analysis in the laboratory. While some samples were in liquid form such as alcohol, soft drinks and water, others were not. These other substances are in the solid state such as metals, mixtures, fats and oils, ceramics, minerals, powders, tissues, oxides and rocks. For this group of samples, it is almost impossible for the analyst to analyze them in this state, so digestion is required. Digestion is the act of dissolving these powdered solids and analytes in an acidic mixture. Graphite furnace digestion is to achieve complete decomposition of these solid materials without losing important parts of the sample or contaminating them.
• Ensure that you conduct acid digestion in a fully ventilated space.
• Do not add water to concentrated acid for dilution, add acid to water instead.
• Do not use concentrated acid directly on the sample. Try dissolving concentrated acid in dilute acid first.
