Determination of Metals in Lime and Limestone Using Automated Borate Fusions for ICP-OES
SourceThe determination of metals in lime samples by inductively coupled plasma coupled with optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is not difficult to perform in itself, but a single dissolution method that can include all raw, finished, and waste products involved in lime production would be very appealing to many because of increased productivity factors. The proposed method describes an easy way to determine the concentration of elements of interest (Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Si, and Ti) contained in raw materials, finished products, as well as waste products used and produced in common lime industries using borate fusions. This automated borate fusion method is designed to obtain the full dissolution of common lime products, such as limestone, dolomite, calcium hydroxide, and residues, without the need of using harsh acids or extensive sample dissolution techniques. The significance of this research resides in the simplicity of the method, its speed (complete sample dissolution in less than 12 min), automation, and the absence of harsh acids. Furthermore, this technique does not require highly skilled operators.