Evaluation of microwave-assisted acid extraction procedures for the determination of metal content and potential bioavailability in sediments

Acid extractions represent a simple and effective tool for the assessment of metal contamination, origin and bioavailability in the aquatic environment. Optimized microwave-assisted procedures utilizing two extractions (8 M HNO₃ and 1 M HCl) were developed. Particular attention was given to the evaluation of efficiency and selectivity of the developed procedures. This involved an examination of the sediment and the extraction residues by Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. These instrumental approaches were used to identify the geochemical phases associated with acid decomposition. Microwave digestion with 8 M HNO₃ produced an efficient solubilization of the most important metal-bearing phases and left unaffected only the minerals (quartz, feldspars, muscovite) with a negligible metal content, thus providing a good estimate of the total metal concentrations. The 1 M HCl extraction, despite the limitation due to the incomplete solubilization of pyrite and to the partial dissolution of sheet silicates, represents a simple and effective technique for providing an estimate of the bioavailable metal fraction in sediments. The combined use of the two microwave-assisted acid extractions can provide a rapid and simple approach for the risk assessment of metal-polluted sediments.