Critical evaluation of As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn concentrations in Brazilian artisanal sugar cane spirits by FAAS and GFAAS using matrix-matched calibration

Abstract

Sugar cane spirit (cachaça) is a distilled alcoholic beverage produced by fermentation of sugar cane and widely consumed in Brazil. Thus, for health reasons it is of great importance to evaluate its elemental concentrations. This beverage is usually distilled in copper stills, thus copper may be present in the final product as well as other metallic elements. Using matrix-matched calibration, the concentrations of Cu, Mn, and Zn were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and As, Cd, and Pb by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry in 19 artisanal cachaça samples from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Good results were achieved in terms of sensitivity, precision, and accuracy (RSD <10% and recovery between 86 to 105%). The analytical data show that the As and Pb concentrations were below the limits (100 μg L-1 and 200 μg L-1, respectively) as established by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA), while three samples had Cu values (10.8, 5.56, and 5.78 mg L-1) above the limit established (5.0 mg L-1). The samples can also be studied by employing Principal Component Analysis to establish their analyte concentrations and geographical origin.