P. Zbinden et D. Andrey, Determination of trace element contaminants in food matrices using a robust, routine analytical method for ICP-MS, ATOM SPECT, 19(6), 1998, pp. 214-219
ICP-MS is a rapid analytical technique that shows potential for use in rout
ine multielemental analysis in the food industry.
However, in order to take advantage of its high speed of analysis, the anal
ytical throughout should not be slowed down by a lengthy sample preparation
step. On the other hand, a rapid wet ashing method may cause interferences
due to the presence of residual carbon, particularly in the determination
of As, Se and Pb.
Arsenic and selenium measured by ICP-MS in samples where residual carbon is
present may be determined with a higher value up to 30%. At the same time,
Pb may be determined with a value of 10% lower.
These carbon-related interferences were quantitatively studied. The study s
hows that addition of a set concentration of isopropanol to wet ashed sampl
es overcomes, interferences from residual carbon. The accuracy and reproduc
tibility of the determination of As. Se and Pb by ICP-MS was improved.
A rapid and robust analytical method for the trace determination of As, Cd,
Hg, Pb, Al and Se, well-suited to the routine environment of the food anal
ytical laboratory, has been developed.