Analysis of Foods and Beverages Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Significance of the topic

Atomic absorption spectrometry (AA) has been central to elemental analysis in food and beverage laboratories for decades. Its affordability, established methodology, and ability to meet increasingly stringent safety and labeling regulations make it an indispensable technique for routine quality control.

Objectives and overview of the article

This Q&A guide examines novel AA spectrometry techniques for food and beverage analysis, addressing:

• Current usage of flame and graphite furnace AA in the food testing sector
• Adaptation of AA to meet evolving regulatory requirements
• Automated approaches for high-throughput milk and wine testing
• Comparisons with newer multi-element methods

Methodology and Instrumentation

Key AA approaches:

• Flame AA: gas-based atomization for major nutritional elements; suited to up to eight elements per sample
• Graphite furnace AA (GFAAS): electrothermal atomization for sub-ppb quantification of heavy metals
• Hydride generation AA (using VGA 77): selective vaporization to detect arsenic, mercury, and other hydride-forming elements at low levels
• Microwave plasma AES (MP-AES): air-based plasma offering unattended operation and lower running costs

Automation and accessories:

• Fast Sequential (FS) mode: measures multiple elements in a single aspiration, reducing analysis time and gas consumption by 35–50%
• Sample Introduction Pump System (SIPS 20): automatic standard preparation, dilution, ionization buffer addition, and matrix-matching for milk and wine samples
• PROMT software: precision-optimized measurement time to balance speed and reproducibility
• PSD 120 autosampler and Tube-Cam: automated standard/sample handling and real-time monitoring of graphite furnace processes

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent flame AA systems with FS mode and PROMT software
• Agilent VGA 77 vapor generation accessory
• Agilent MP-AES 4210
• Agilent PSD 120 autosampler
• Surface Response Methodology (SRM) wizard for GFAAS method optimization

Main results and discussion

Flame AA remains widely used for nutritional elements and major metals, providing robust performance and simple interference profiles. FS mode and PROMT deliver substantial time and gas savings without compromising accuracy. GFAAS, supported by SRM-driven optimization and Zeeman background correction, achieves ppb-level detection for lead and cadmium. Hydride generation AA extends detection to arsenic and mercury in complex matrices. MP-AES emerges as a cost-effective alternative, combining unattended operation with sensitivity and dynamic range improvements over flame AA.

Benefits and practical applications

• Low capital and operating costs compared with ICP-based systems
• Proven regulatory compliance and well-documented methods
• High throughput and reduced manual errors via automation
• Flexible handling of challenging matrices such as milk and wine

Future trends and possibilities

Adoption of air-plasma MP-AES is expected to grow as labs seek unattended, safer operation and lower gas costs. Further integration of chemometric tools will automate method development and enhance sensitivity. The gradual transition from flame AA to microwave plasma techniques and expanded use of accessories like SIPS 20 will streamline food and beverage testing workflows.

Conclusion

Atomic absorption spectrometry continues to evolve through automation, software optimization, and alternative plasma sources, maintaining its role as a cost-effective, reliable platform for elemental analysis in food and beverage laboratories.

References

No external literature references were provided in the source text.