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Feasibility of microwave‐induced combustion combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for bromine and iodine determination in human nail
Author(s) -
Novo Diogo La Rosa,
Henn Alessandra Schneider,
Flores Erico Marlon Moraes,
Mesko Marcia Foster
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.8675
Subject(s) - chemistry , inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry , bromine , analyte , sample preparation , chromatography , microwave digestion , iodine , reagent , mass spectrometry , combustion , analytical chemistry (journal) , detection limit , inductively coupled plasma , plasma , organic chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics
Rationale Bromine and iodine have important physiological functions; however, in inadequate concentration, they can also cause several physiological problems. Their mobility assessment in human organisms through biological sampling may help clarify some doubts related to metabolic routes, which are still not well elucidated. In this context, a suitable analytical method for this purpose should be developed. Methods An analytical method for determining ultratrace levels of bromine and iodine in human nail samples was developed. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) using a conventional nebulization system was immediately chosen as the determination tool because of its powerful sensitivity and selectivity. Sample preparation methods including microwave‐induced combustion (MIC), microwave‐assisted extraction, and microwave‐assisted digestion were evaluated. The compatibility of the final solutions with ICP‐MS analysis was considered while the method was developed. Results MIC was chosen as the most suitable method for the sample preparation for determining the levels of bromine and iodine in human nail samples using ICP‐MS. Unlike other sample preparation methods, this one fully eliminated interferences related to the carbon content and memory effects. Sample masses up to 100 mg were efficiently digested, and the analytes were quantitatively absorbed using only 50 mmol L −1 NH 4 OH solution. Recoveries ranged from 93% to 102%, and the relative standard deviation was < 8%. Conclusions The proposed analytical method presents important characteristics for routine analysis. It allows ultratrace determination even when low sample masses are used because of the low blank values, reduced volume of reagents, and powerful detectability using ICP‐MS.