Characterization of trace metals in vegetables by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after closed vessel microwave digestion

A simple and expeditious method for the determination of trace metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese and lead) is proposed. The metals are extracted from their matrix by using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a closed-vessel microwave digestion system for their subsequent detection by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The sample preparation procedure facilitates the overall analytical process and enables the construction of calibration curves from inorganic standards. The ensuing method provides good linearity and sensitivity for the five metals, with limits of detection and quantization spanning the ranges 0.05–2.20 and 0.15–7.34 μg/kg, respectively. This sensitivity level is quite appropriate for the intended application. Accuracy was assessed by using a certified reference material (NCS ZC85006 Tomato), for which the proposed method provided amounts of metals consistent with their certified values. The proposed method was applied to tomato, pepper and onion, which are widely consumed in Mediterranean countries.