Samples brought to the laboratory require further treatment before analysis commences. This is due to the need to convert the sample from the nature in which it
exist at the site of sampling to the form in which it can be analysed. The treatments
also help in eliminating the possible sources of contamination and sample degradation
that could lead to sample destruction. The treatment of samples also ensure the homogeneity of samples, so that any small portion removed for the analysis will be
identical to any other fraction.
Major activities during the preparation of samples include.
I Concentration: – this implies reducing the water content of a sample material (drying)
Ii Dissolut ion: – this involves converting sample material in solid form to
solut ion
Iii Grinding and Crushing:- This involves reducing the size of particles of sample materials. It helps increasing the surface area thereby allowing effective attack of reagents during reaction.
1v Mixing solids laboratory samples:- It is essential that solid materials be thoroughly mixed in order to ensure random distribution of the components in the analytical sample.
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