Rapid on-line sample dissolution assisted by focused microwave radiation for silicate analysis employing flame atomic absorption spectrometry: iron determination.

An on-line automated flow injection system with microwave-assisted sample digestion was used to perform silicate rock dissolution in acid medium for iron determination. For this purpose, a continuous flow system was built up by using an automatic flow injection analysis (FIA) system coupled to a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS), including a focused microwave oven unit. Inside the microwave cavity was inserted a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) reactor coil (300cm length and 0.8mm i.d.) where the dissolution takes place. Chemical and flow variables as well as iron determination parameters were studied. In the flow system, a slurry of the rock sample (50mg in 200ml of acid mixture HF…