Screening analysis: An alternative for real-time analysis and greener microwave-assisted persulfate decomposition of flavored beverages

The proposed procedure aims to generate information about the decomposition efficiency of organic matter before the instrumental determination of elements and real-time decision-making. In the presence of organic compounds samples, the irradiation time was consistently higher (at least 20 s or more) than that observed for the appearance of MnO₄^– in organic matter-free solutions (10±1 s, n = 6). Moreover, RCC values ≤14% were determined for all solutions independent of the target compound observed. Total carbon was determined in samples before and after persulfate decomposition, with a 95% reduction in the carbon content, except for grape-flavored waters (RCC = 85%). The microwave-assisted S₂O₈²⁻/Mn²⁺ system allowed a fast, clean and effortless approach leading to material, energy, and time-saving method for mineralizing beverages.