Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction Procedure to Determine Metal in Fish Muscles Using Box–Behnken Design

Abstract

This study describes the application of response surface methodology (RSM) to develop a method for zinc, lead, manganese, nickel, iron, and copper determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry in Snow trout (Schizothorax zarudnyi) samples after extraction by a microwave system. The effects of various parameters such as irradiation power, temperature, extraction time, and concentration of nitric acid were investigated by a fractional factorial design (24−1) to determine the significant parameters and their interactions. The results showed that all of the parameters were significant (p < 0.05). The RSM, based on Box–Behnken design, was employed to obtain the optimum conditions of the significant parameters. The optimal conditions could be obtained at a power of 685.0 W, temperature of 116 °C, extraction time of 38.0 min, and 2.5 (mol L−1) for nitric acid concentration. The method was applied for determination of zinc, lead, manganese, nickel, iron, and copper in Snow trout (Schizothorax zarudnyi) samples.