Analysis of elemental contaminants in beverages using the Thermo Scientific iCAP PRO X Duo ICP-OES

Significance of Beverage Elemental Analysis

Ensuring safety and nutritional quality of beverages requires rapid multi-element analysis to detect both toxic and essential metals. ICP-OES offers higher throughput than traditional AAS by measuring multiple elements simultaneously without sample digestion, thus saving time and reagents.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note evaluates the performance of the Thermo Scientific iCAP PRO X Duo ICP-OES for analyzing elemental contaminants and nutrients in undiluted apple juice and cola. Key aims include demonstrating direct analysis capability, assessing method robustness across axial and radial views, and validating recovery and detection limits against regulatory guidelines.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Instrument: Thermo Scientific iCAP PRO X Duo ICP-OES with axial view for trace elements and radial view for major elements
• Autosampler: Teledyne CETAC ASX-560
• Software: Qtegra ISDS for method development and data processing
• Sample Preparation: Degas samples by ultrasonication; weigh 10 g into volumetric flasks; add spike if required; dilute to 50 mL with deionized water in 0.5% HNO3
• Calibration: Multi-point standards (0.5–2 mg/L for traces; 2–10 mg/L for majors); spike blanks for MDL determination
• Parameters: RF power 1150 W; nebulizer gas 0.5 L/min; coolant gas 12 L/min; axial and radial exposures 15 s; pump speed 45 rpm

Key Results and Discussion

• Recovery for spiked apple juice and cola ranged between 88% and 107%, within ±15% acceptance criteria.
• Method Detection Limits (MDLs) for trace elements were low (e.g., 0.12 μg/L for Al, 2.4 μg/L for Pb), enabling detection below regulatory thresholds.
• Toxic contaminants (As, Cd, Pb) in both beverages were below EU limits (<0.2 mg/L for As, <0.1 mg/L for Cd, <0.5 mg/L for Pb).
• The robust RF generator and standard introduction kit accommodated varying sample viscosities without dilution issues.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Direct analysis without digestion streamlines workflow and reduces reagent usage.
• Simultaneous multi-element detection improves laboratory throughput.
• Axial and radial views optimize sensitivity for both trace contaminants and major nutrients.
• Software flexibility allows internal standard correction to be applied pre- or post-run, saving development time.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in online dilution and internal standard addition kits will further simplify high-throughput beverage testing. Integration of automated data correction and cloud-based data management can enhance method robustness and traceability. Emerging ICP-OES configurations with improved energy efficiency and miniaturization may expand on-site beverage quality monitoring.

Conclusion

The iCAP PRO X Duo ICP-OES combined with Qtegra ISDS software delivers a fast, reliable, and user-friendly solution for beverage elemental analysis. The method meets regulatory requirements, offers low detection limits, and reduces total analysis time by eliminating digestion steps.

Reference

Application Note 44421, Thermo Fisher Scientific (2020) Analysis of elemental contaminants in beverages using the Thermo Scientific iCAP PRO X Duo ICP-OES.