Sediments and suspended particulate matter: Total and partial methods of digestion

In order to determine the major and trace metal concentrations of marine sediments and suspended particulate matter by wet chemical methods, it is necessary to dissolve all or part of the sample. Sample digestion methods commonly used are: (a) total decomposition, (b) strong acid digestion, or (c) moderate or weak acid extractions.

This leaflet describes in detail the wet chemical methods for both total decomposition and weak acid extraction of sediments and suspended particulate matter.