Using activated attapulgite as sorbent for solid-phase extraction of melamine in milk formula samples
Ting-Ting Wang1, Rong-Rong Xuan2, Jun-Feng Ma3
1School of Materials and Chemical Engineering/School of Safety Engineering, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo, Zhèjiāng, 315016, China. shiming-49@163.com.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|July 20, 2016
Summary
A new solid-phase extraction method using activated attapulgite effectively determines melamine in milk formula. This simple, reproducible technique offers a promising tool for food safety monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Melamine contamination in food products poses a significant public health risk.
- Accurate and efficient detection methods are crucial for ensuring food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and effective solid-phase extraction (SPE) method for melamine determination in milk formula.
- To utilize activated attapulgite as a cost-effective and efficient sorbent material.
Main Methods:
- Investigated critical factors affecting extraction efficiency: sample solvent, elution solvent, and sample loading volume.
- Optimized SPE conditions for melamine extraction using activated attapulgite.
- Validated the method for linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and recovery.
Main Results:
- Achieved high adsorption capacity for melamine (1154 μg g⁻¹).
- Obtained excellent linearity (r² > 0.999) with low LOD (0.15 ng mL⁻¹) and LOQ (0.5 ng mL⁻¹).
- Demonstrated high recoveries (83.5–111.0%) and good reproducibility (RSDs < 10.2%) in milk formula samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed SPE method using acidified attapulgite is simple, sensitive, and reproducible for melamine analysis.
- Acidified attapulgite outperformed commercial sorbents in terms of reproducibility for melamine detection.
- This method presents a promising tool for routine monitoring of melamine in milk formula and other complex food matrices.
