Slurry–electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric methods for the determination of copper, lead, zinc, iron and chromium in sweets and chewing gum after partial dry ashing

Abstract

Slurry–electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric procedures for the rapid determination of the copper, lead, zinc, iron and chromium contents of sweets and chewing gum samples are discussed. The samples were first subjected to a process of mild calcination; suspensions were then prepared in a medium containing 8% ethanol as stabilizing agent, 0.1% ammonium dihydrogenphosphate as chemical modifier and 4% hydrogen peroxide to prevent the build-up of carbonaceous residues inside the atomizer. Fast-programme methodology was used for the heating programmes. Calibration was carried out using aqueous standards, and the reliability of the procedures was verified by analysing several standard reference materials.