Rapid and Efficient Microwave Digestion for Trace Metals Analysis of Shellfish

Shellfish are consumed all over the world, as they can contribute to a healthy diet, and are connected to a number of health benefits. They are a good source of nutritive metals, such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. Given that shellfish live on the ocean floor, it is possible for them absorb environmental contaminates, such as heavy metals. The big 4 toxic heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) are known to cause adverse effects on human health; therefore, it is critical to regulate certain elements within food products, making analysis from both a nutritive and safety perspective, important. Trace metals analysis relies heavily on a robust, reliable, and reproducible sample preparation technique. In this study, trace metal concentrations, including toxic metals as well as nutritive metals and salts, are measured and compared for a variety of shellfish. These elements are measured by ICP-MS analysis, following microwave digestion of the shellfish. This approach provides a rapid, efficient, and simple process for trace metal analysis of shellfish.