Detection of Heavy Metals via ICP-MS Analysis

The World Health Organization has a list of 10 chemicals of public health concern, of which four (Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead) are heavy metals. Introduced into foodstuffs from a variety of methods these toxic heavy metals can present health risks to those who consume significantly high levels, therefore it is important to ensure that foodstuffs such as Honey and Cereals are safe for consumption. The EU, US and UK governments have instituted legislation to limit the exposure of its citizens to these elements within foodstuffs. For those in UK and EU this is defined within Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006.

A primary method of measuring these elements of interest is to use inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). ICP-MS is a powerful methodology that allows for ultralow concentrations to be measured accurately by ionising the elements using a plasma and selectively choosing the charged ions using quadrupoles and measuring the relative species mass’. Another is inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), which measures the electromagnetic radiation emissions of metal ions. The draw that these methodologies possess is the speed of analysis, sensitivity, and accuracy.

At Minerva Scientific – A Tentamus company we use ICP-MS to measure trace levels of heavy metals within food. With our ICP-MS measuring a suite of elements consisting of Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead we can cover the major toxic heavy metals of interest. In-house we also carry the capability to expand that list to any other metal contaminant of interest for our customers.

Please get in touch with Minerva Scientific – A Tentamus Company for more information!

This article was written by one of our experts at Minerva Scientific – A Tentamus Company, Benjamin Fryer PhD.