The rapid decomposition of biological materials by using a microwave acid digestion bomb.

A microwave acid decomposition technique was evaluated for decomposing biological standard reference materials (NBS oyster tissue and bovine liver) for trace metal analyses. Dissolution consisted of HNO3 decomposition in a closed Teflon bomb. A microwave oven was used as the heat source. Complete decomposition times were less than 1 min. Resulting solutions were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn. Recoveries were estimated by comparison with National Bureau of Standards certified values. The precision and accuracy of the results ranged from 1 to 13% and 93 to 106%, respectively.