The comparability of sample digestion techniques for the determination of metals in sediments

A group of laboratories engaged in marine monitoring has undertaken a study of the comparability of sediment digestion techniques in current use. Samples of two sediments were supplied to each participating laboratory. These were digested using the participantsʹ routine digestion techniques and the digests returned for analysis at a central location (to eliminate interlaboratory analytical effects). The comparability of the different digestion techniques, including various strong acid and hydrofluoric acid digestions, is presented.