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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Author Spotlight: Technologies and Challenges in Elemental Analysis of Food Samples
Published on: December 22, 2023
Elemental Composition of Denim Samples via Conductive Heating-Assisted Decomposition with Low Acid Consumption and
Amanda Laís Barbosa1, Iago José Santos da Silva2, Briyitte Sofia Salazar Torres1
1Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Química Fundamental, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP 50740-560, Brazil.
This study optimized an acid digestion method for analyzing elemental composition in denim. The green analytical method successfully quantified elements like magnesium, copper, and nickel, revealing potentially concerning levels of copper and manganese.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Denim garments contain various elements, necessitating accurate analytical methods for composition determination.
- Previous methods for elemental analysis in textiles may lack efficiency or environmental friendliness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a cost-effective and green acid digestion method for elemental analysis of denim.
- To determine the elemental composition of various denim samples and assess potential health risks.
Main Methods:
- A 2^3 full factorial design was used to optimize acid digestion conditions for denim samples.
- Elemental analysis was performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES).
- Method validation included recovery tests and analysis of a certified reference material.
Main Results:
- The optimized method successfully digested 27 out of 29 denim samples with minimal residue.
- Magnesium (Mg) was the most abundant element, while Cobalt (Co) and Nickel (Ni) were found in the lowest concentrations.
- Copper (Cu) and Manganese (Mn) concentrations exceeded recommended levels, and Nickel (Ni) approached regulatory limits.
Conclusions:
- The developed acid digestion method is efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly (Eco-Scale score of 83).
- Elemental analysis revealed elevated levels of Cu and Mn, and near-limit Ni in denim samples.
- Further research is recommended to identify toxic elements in denim and assess associated health risks.
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