Rapid Elemental Analysis of Sugarcane Spirits by Inductively Coupled Plasma: Optical Emission Spectrometry

Abstract

A simple, direct, and rapid method was developed and employed to determine arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and nickel in sugarcane spirits by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The samples were analyzed directly, avoiding the need for sample treatment or the use of toxic chemicals in agreement with the green chemistry principles. The accuracy was evaluated using spiked trials at three levels for each contaminant, with recoveries between 83 and 115%. High sensitivity was obtained, with limits of detection less than 0.008 mg L⁻¹ for all elements but copper (0.05 mg L⁻¹), in agreement with Brazilian and The Common Market of the South regulations. Low values of coefficient of variation were also observed, 0.4 to 7.7% for all analytes. The analysis time and sample amount required for the direct method were lower than methods that use sample treatment procedures, which is very positive for routine laboratory analysis.

Keywords:

• Alcoholic beverage
• direct analysis
• inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry
• inorganic contaminants
• sugarcane spirits

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to Craig A. Dedini for English revision.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the FAPEMIG under Grants [APQ-02246-14 and APQ-01007-10].