Comparison between microwave and conventional heating procedures in Tessier's extractions of calcium, copper, iron and manganese in a Lagoon sediment

The results of Tessier's extraction of calcium, copper, iron and manganese in sediments using conventional and microwave heating were compared. The metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with flame and electrothermal atomization. Magnesium chloride (extractant of exchangeable fraction) was replaced with ammonium acetate. Sediments collected from the Venice lagoon were analysed. The results showed that microwave heating produces results comparable to those of conventional heating with a much shorter operating time.