The loss of elements during the decomposition of biological materials with special reference to arsenic, sodium, strontium and zinc

Abstract

The problems encountered during dry ashing of biological materials are discussed, and an attempt has been made to show the variability of results quoted in the literature. Special reference has been made to sodium, arsenic, zinc and strontium, which have been incorporated into rat tissue by injection. These are representative of the various groups of elements when considering their stability towards heat. It is concluded that each biological sample must be treated individually when considering losses of elements during dry ashing.