Application of atomic spectroscopy for trace element analysis of fruit juices: a review

Abstract

Trace elements are crucial for human nutrition, requiring their precise analysis in fruit juices to ensure product quality and assess contamination risks. Atomic spectroscopy techniques including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD-OES) are sensitive, selective and versatile tools for trace element analysis of various solid and solution samples. Matrix modifiers, sample introduction and sample preparation methods are pivotal for improving the accuracy and mitigating matrix interferences. Further advancements in instrumentation are essential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these techniques, highlighting their principles, advantages, limitations and future research directions in fruit juice analysis. Its global applications, focusing on As, Cd, Co, and Pb, along with sample preparation methods, element concentrations, detection limits, and recovery values, have been explored.