Analysis of germanium containing health beverages by nitrous oxide-acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrometry using discrete nebulization technique.

Abstract

A simple and rapid method was developed for the analysis of total germanium (Ge), inorganic Ge (GeO2) and organic Ge (β-carboxyethyl germanium oxide ; CE-Ge) in Ge-containing health beverages. In order to determine total Ge, the sample was digested with HNO3. Ge in the sample was changed to inorganic Ge, and extracted with CCl4 as chloride. The amount of Ge was determined by polarized Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry with a nitrous oxide-acetylene flame by using the discrete nebulization technique (FZAAS). On the other hand, inorganic Ge and organic Ge in the sample were separated by organic solvent extraction and determined by FZAAS without acid digestion. Recoveries of Ge from juice fortified at the level of 25-250 μg Ge/g were more than 92%. The calibration graph was linear between 0.25 and 20μg Ge. The proposed method was recommended for the determination of Ge and differentiation of inorganic Ge and organic Ge in Ge-containing health beverages.