Microwave sample preparation provides an efficient and clean sample preparation for multi-element analytical techniques such as ICP-OES and ICP-MS. As Microwave assisted digestion has evolved, so have the methodologies. EPA method 3052 is designed for the “total” analysis in a variety of matrices including soil, sediments, sludge, oils, biological and botanical materials. This method is the most versatile and has been well proven. It allows variations in reagents and methodology, making it ideal for a variety of matrices and elements. The variability of this method also requires a basic understanding of digestion chemistry.