An Environmentally Compatible and Less Costly (Greener) Microwave Digestion Method of Bone Samples Using Dilute Nitric Acid for Analysis by ICP-MS

Abstract

An environmentally compatible and less costly (green) analytical method for the digestion of bone meal samples using microwave-assisted dilute nitric acid (HNO₃) was developed and optimized. The method employing a mixture of 1 mL concentrated HNO₃ and 4 mL of deionized water gave a comparable performance to the conventional method using 5 mL of concentrated HNO₃. Accuracy of the method was validated by using certified reference material NIST 1486 (Bone Meal); percent recoveries were within ± 15% for all eight certified elements. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in percent recoveries between the green and conventional methods for all elements except calcium. The greenness of the developed method was evaluated by using the analytical Eco-Scale, achieving a score of 87, categorizing it as an "excellent green analysis" method. This research highlights the potential for adopting greener practices in trace element analysis that reduce environmental impact and safety risks associated with concentrated acids.