Instrumental Analysis of Foods: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Determination of Metals in Cereals and Fast Ion Chromatography Analysis for Minerals in Aqueous Sport Drinks

Aims: Foods are analyzed for their content for important reasons that include: Adherence to
government regulations, nutritional labeling, authentication, inspection (for grading), safety, quality
control and detection of adulterants.
Study Design: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis of various
commercial cereals was accomplished. Commercial drinks were analyzed by ion chromatography
instruments.
Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was carried out at the University of Nebraska,
Omaha Nebraska from January 2014 to May 2014.
Methodology: Cereals were treated in strong acid to extract heavy metals. Following dilution steps,
these extracts were injected into ICP-MS for analysis. Quantity of metals as well as isotope
distribution was established. Commercial sports drinks were examined for clarification and injected
into ion chromatography instruments for analysis for calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium,
chloride, phosphate, sulphate and fluoride.
Results: (ICP-MS) analysis of various commercial cereals showed a content of chromium, nickel,
copper, zinc and traces of lead. In general, zinc was found to be highest in content within the cereal
products analyzed ranging from 2.951 mg/kilogram to 90.56 mg/kilogram (mean = 58.38
mg/kilogram), followed by copper ranging from 1.218 mg/kilogram to 4.395 mg/kilogram (mean =
2.756 mg/kilogram). This is followed in amounts (by average of all samples tested) by nickel, lead and
chromium. Chromium, copper, nickel and zinc are considered human micronutrients. Sport drinks are
consumed for their mineral content and enhancement of electrolytes. Various sports drinks analyzed
showed both cation and anion minerals in their content, which included: sodium, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, sulfate, phosphate, chloride, fluoride and nitrate ions.
Conclusion: ICP-MS and ion chromatography are versatile approaches for analysis of food nutrient
value and metals content. ICP-MS can track the absorption of heavy metals into commercial cereals.
Ion chromatography can identify adulterants in sport drinks. Current ion chromatography
instrumentation can quickly and with versatility assay a broad concentration of cations and anions in
electrolyte mixtures. The monitoring of electrolyte content is an important aspect for the clinical use of
such mixtures for the treatment of disease. Sensitive and versatile methodologies for monitoring
nutrients inside food products will enhance their safety, government compliance, nutritional value and
the demands from consumers.