Elemental characterization of freeze dried domestic animals' milk using ion beam analysis techniques

Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and particle induced γ-ray emission (PIGE) techniques were employed to perform elemental analysis in four milk samples of local domestic animals, namely sheep, caw, camel and goat. Additionally, Rutherford backscattering (RBS) spectra were acquired simultaneously with PIXE and PIGE to determine matrix elements. Milk samples were prepared in a simple dried base following freeze drying process. Optimization of PIXE/PIGE/RBS experimental conditions as well as data acquisition and analysis procedures were carefully addressed. Verification study was performed relying on the analysis of both IAEA-11 and IAEA-153 reference materials. Accuracies of ±5-10% together with relative standard deviations of less than 15% were mostly reported. Chemical element concentrations of 11 elements were determined, namely Na, Mg, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Zn, Br, Rb and Sr. Obtained element concentration values were mostly in the range 1000-10000 μg/g for major elements and 5-100 μg/g for trace elements. No significant changes in elemental concentration differences for both trace and major elements were noticed in the four different milk samples. The contribution of the elements in these milk samples to the dietary recommended intakes (DRI) has been evaluated. Advantages of applying multiple ion beam analysis techniques have been discussed.