Ultra-trace elemental determination of Si by means of graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry†

Abstract

The significance of Si determination has increased with the rise of production of silanes, siloxanes and silicones. The determination of Si plays an important role to determine the presence of such compounds in solution and provide quantitative data. For most methods, lower limits of detection of Si so far have been in the mg L⁻¹ to μg L⁻¹ range. However, to comply with the maximum levels for Si absorption through food and dietary supplements, trace determination of Si in the very low μg L⁻¹ to high ng L⁻¹ range is required. In this study, a method for determining ultra-trace amounts of Si in food simulants, ethanol, and acetic acid, was developed using GF-AAS. The method was validated according to the guidelines set by the FDA, and the results showed Si quantification limits of 0.2 μg L⁻¹ and 0.4 μg L⁻¹ for ethanol and acetic acid, respectively.