A nitric acid plant tissue digest method for use with inductively coupled plasma spectrometry

Abstract A wet digestion method for plant tissue analysis for use with Inductively Coupled Plasma ‐ Atomic Emission Spectrometry has been developed. This procedure uses only nitric acid and eliminates the use of perchloric acid and subsequently eliminates the danger of HClO4. explosions, and the problem of KClO4 precipitation. Analysis of National Bureau of Standards plant materials ‐ orchard, tomato, and spinach leaves ‐ digested with nitric‐perchloric acid or nitric acid compared very well with the NBS certified values. The analytical results for eight other plant species were comparable for the two methods of digestion. A summary of the recommended procedure for use with ICP is given below: 1. Weigh 0.5 to 1.0 g of plant tissue into a 50 ml Taylor tube.2. Add 10 ml conc, nitric acid. Let stand overnight.3. Heat samples at 125° C for 4 hours. Let cool.4. Dilute to 12.5 ml with conc, nitric acid. Dilute to 50 ml with distilled water. Mix and let amorphous silica settle.5. Aspirate directly into plasma for ICP analysis of P, K, Cu, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mn.