Microwave Desorption Treatment after the Oxidation Step in Tessier's Sequential Extraction Scheme

Abstract
Microwave desorption of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn after the oxidation step in Tessier's sequential extraction scheme was studied. Metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in solutions obtained after traditional or microwave desorption and results were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test. Besides Cr, Cu and Pb, for which the two treatments gave the same results, the traditional treatment was more effective in extracting the considered trace metals from the oxidised surface of the sediment.