Quantitative elemental analysis in food cycle supported by an automated Elemental Analyzer

Importance of the Topic

Elemental analysis of C, H, N, S and O is fundamental to ensuring food and feed quality, compliance with regulatory standards and protection of consumer health. By quantifying key elements, laboratories can accurately determine protein content, assess soil and plant health, and verify the composition of compost and biomass, supporting quality control across the entire food cycle.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This work evaluates the performance of the Thermo Scientific™ FlashSmart™ Elemental Analyzer for a broad range of matrices in the food cycle. The study aims to demonstrate accuracy, repeatability and throughput for both CHNS/O analysis and nitrogen-to-protein conversion in low and high nitrogen content samples including sludges, compost, biomass, food products and feed.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The FlashSmart EA operates on the Dumas combustion principle for CHNS and dynamic flash combustion for N/Protein, and on pyrolysis for oxygen. Key components include:

• MAS Plus Autosampler with tin or silver sample containers.
• Dual furnaces: a combustion reactor with oxygen addition and a pyrolysis reactor at 1060 °C with Ni/C.
• Copper reactor and GC column for separation of combustion gases.
• Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) for gas detection.
• EagerSmart™ Data Handling Software for automated reporting, calibration and nitrogen-to-protein conversion.
• Calibration standards: BBOT for CHNS, benzoic acid for O, aspartic acid and nicotinamide for N/Protein, with sample weights from 1 mg to 320 mg depending on element and matrix.

Main Results and Discussion

Accuracy and precision were validated using BIPEA reference materials, yielding protein recoveries within certificate ranges and RSDs typically below 1 %. CHNS/O data for sludge, compost and biomass samples showed consistent element quantification across a wide concentration range. Repeatability tests for low and high nitrogen samples demonstrated RSDs below 1 %. Comparative analysis with the Kjeldahl method across diverse food and feed matrices confirmed excellent agreement in nitrogen and protein results. Additionally, gross and net heat values and CO₂ emission factors were automatically computed for compost and biomass, highlighting the system’s capability to integrate calorific data.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This single-system analyzer delivers:

• High throughput and full automation for CHNS/O and N/Protein analysis.
• Cost-effective operation and reduced consumables compared to Kjeldahl.
• Rapid method changeover and broad matrix compatibility.
• Automatic data handling and report generation, facilitating QA/QC in food, feed, agriculture and recycling applications.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Emerging directions include integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), development of methods for novel and complex sample types, miniaturization for field deployment, coupling with spectroscopic detectors, and leveraging AI for advanced data interpretation. Connectivity to cloud platforms and IoT networks will further enhance real-time monitoring and decision support in industrial and environmental settings.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific FlashSmart Elemental Analyzer provides a validated, automated solution for comprehensive elemental and protein analysis across the food cycle. Its robust performance, alignment with official reference methods and expanded data capabilities support reliable quality control, regulatory compliance and sustainable resource management in diverse laboratory environments.