Optimization of the sample preparation method for determination of multi-elemental composition in fruit samples by ICP-MS analysis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to optimize sample preparation using a microwave system (ULTRAWAVE) for the determination of the multi-elemental composition of fruit samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection. Standard reference materials, SRMs (SRM 1547 Peach Leaves, SRM 1570a Spinach Leaves, SRM 1568b Rice Flour, SRM 1567b Wheat Flour), grain RM 8436 Durum Wheat and fruit samples were digested in concentrate nitric acid (1 mL HNO3 or 2.5 mL HNO3) or a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide (2.5 mL HNO3 and 1 mL H2O2) for simultaneous determination of 27 elements, Na, Mg, Al, P, S, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Pb and U. Efficiency was evaluated using SRMs. The results indicated that there was no difference between either method. A more straightforward, economical and environmentally friendlier method of just using 1 mL of concentrate HNO3, which allows using smaller amounts of acid and avoiding H2O2, was proposed for fruits samples.

Keywords

• Elemental composition
• Microwave digestion
• Fruits
• ICP-MS