Multi-energy calibration: A practical method for determination of macro and micro nutrients in meat by ICP OES

Abstract

The multi-energy calibration (MEC) was evaluated for the determination of Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, S, and Zn in meat samples by inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry (ICP OES). This calibration method consists of using only two calibration standards and several atomic and ionic emission wavelengths with different sensitivities to determine the analyte concentration in the sample. Both calibration mixtures are prepared using the same amount of sample, which contributes to minimize matrix effects. The accuracy was evaluated using two certified reference materials, bovine liver (SRM 1577c) and bovine muscle (SRM 8414), with recoveries within 87-107% range. The method was applied for the determination of the analytes in meats of chicken, sheep loin, sheep carcass and bovine, and prove to be usable in samples with different characteristics.