A Novel Analytical Method for Trace Determination of Cadmium in Food Samples

In this research, microwave-assisted liquid phase microextraction (MA-LPME) was followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry for determination of Cadmium in food samples. Cadmium was complexed with a chelating agent to form hydrophobic species.۱-hexyl-۳-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Hmim][PF۶]) ionic liquid (IL) was used as environmentally-friendly extraction solvent. In order to disperse the extraction phase into the sample solution and improve the extraction efficiency, microwave irradiation was used as a disperser agent. The heating effect of microwave irradiation makes the ionic liquid dissolved and dispersed through the sample, which significantly improves the speed and efficiency of extraction. After extraction process, sample solution was centrifuged and the settled phase was diluted and introduced to flame atomic absorption spectrometry by conventional aspiration. Various parameters including amount of ionic liquid, microwave power, irradiation time, pH, amount of chelating agent and salt amount were studied and optimized. At the optimized condition, a limit of detection (LOD) of ۱.۶ ng mL -۱ , a linear range of ۵.۵-۳۳ ng -۱ and a RSD of ۴.۴۵% were obtained. Finally, the developed protocol was utilized for determination of Cadmium in food samples.

Keywords:

Microwave-assisted liquid phase microextraction , Cadmium , Atomic absorption spectrometry , Food sample