Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
Development of a novel sugaring-out assisted extraction (SoAE) method for zinc determination in milk samples by flame
Eduardo da Silva G de Castro1, Ricardo J Cassella2
1Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Outeiro de São João Batista s/n, Centro, NIteró/RJ, 24020-141, Brazil; Instituto Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Nilópolis, Rua Cel. Delio Menezes Porto, 1045, Centro, Nilópolis, RJ 26530-060, Brazil.
Abstract:
This study presents a method for determining zinc in milk using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) after separation by a novel sugaring-out assisted extraction (SoAE) technique. Zinc(II) was extracted as a diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) complex into acetonitrile, with phase separation induced by adding sucrose. In addition to optimizing the system for discrete introduction of the extract in FAAS, key parameters related to the extraction process, such as DDTC concentration, solution pH, and sucrose mass, were investigated. The method showed no interferences and achieved limits of detection and quantification of 0.003 and 0.011 mg kg-1, respectively. Accuracy was validated using a certified skimmed milk powder reference material, yielding 100.5 ± 4.3 % recovery. Zinc concentrations in ten milk samples, including cow, goat, skimmed, whole, and lactose-free milk, ranged from below the limit of quantification to 0.834 ± 0.004 mg kg-1.
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing...
Flame Photometry: Lab
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques
Acid digestion with strong acids is commonly used to dissolve inorganic materials that are insoluble (do not dissolve) in water. This method can be useful for...
Flame Photometry: Overview
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab

