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Author Spotlight: Technologies and Challenges in Elemental Analysis of Food Samples
Published on: December 22, 2023
Microwave-based strategies for sample preparation and halogen determination in blood using ICP-MS
Samuel R Waechter1, Paula Dalla Vecchia1, Juliano S Barin2
1Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
Two microwave-assisted methods, microwave-induced combustion (MIC) and microwave-assisted ultraviolet digestion (MAD-UV), efficiently prepare blood samples for halogen (Br, Cl, I) analysis. Both methods ensure accurate and reliable determination of these elements using ICP-MS.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate determination of halogens (Bromine, Chlorine, Iodine) in biological samples like blood is crucial for clinical diagnostics and toxicological studies.
- Traditional sample preparation methods can be time-consuming, hazardous, or lead to analyte loss.
- Development of efficient and safe microwave-assisted digestion techniques is needed for routine analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate two novel microwave-assisted sample preparation methods for the determination of Bromine, Chlorine, and Iodine in blood.
- To compare the efficacy of microwave-induced combustion (MIC) and microwave-assisted ultraviolet digestion (MAD-UV) for halogen analysis.
- To assess the stability of halogens in prepared blood samples and evaluate potential interferences.
Main Methods:
- Microwave-induced combustion (MIC) of blood samples spotted on TFN paper using different absorbing solutions.
- Microwave-assisted ultraviolet digestion (MAD-UV) of whole blood using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide under UV irradiation.
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the quantification of Bromine, Chlorine, and Iodine.
Main Results:
- Both MIC and MAD-UV methods demonstrated comparable and accurate results for Br, Cl, and I determination.
- Analyte stability was confirmed for 90 days in desiccated blood samples on paper.
- High recoveries (94-111%) were achieved for inorganic and organic iodine standards, indicating method accuracy.
- Low limits of quantification were established for all three halogens using both methods.
Conclusions:
- The proposed MIC and MAD-UV methods are suitable, safe, and efficient for preparing blood samples for halogen determination.
- These methods provide reliable results comparable to existing techniques.
- The developed approaches hold potential for application in clinical analysis and toxicological screening.
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