Fast determination of calcium, magnesium and zinc in honey using continuous flow flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A procedure is described for the rapid determination of calcium, magnesium and zinc in honey with no previous mineralization stage. The samples are dissolved in a solution containing dilute hydrochloric acid and a lanthanum salt, and then directly introduced into the flame atomic absorption spectrometer by means of a simple continuous-flow manifold. The computer-controlled system performs an automatic on-line dilution of the solutions, in this way decreasing matrix effects due to the organic matter content and allowing analytical signals within the linear response range to be obtained. Calibration is carried out against aqueous standards. Reproducibilities for calcium and magnesium measurements in the honey samples are close to +/-3%. The detection limit for zinc is 0.2 mug g(-1), the reproducibility obtained for a honey sample containing 1.7 mug g(-1) zinc being +/-5.2%. The results agree with those obtained by means of a lengthy mineralization-based procedure, the main advantages of the non-conventional methodology reported being automation, saving of time and a decrease in the contamination risk.