Validation of method for heavy metal quantification in fishery resources by Microwave-assisted digestion and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)

Heavy metals nowadays are present in the environment due to rapid industrialization. Industrial wastes containing heavy metals flow through the agricultural areas and eventually accumulate in fishery resources. As per the... [ view full abstract ]

Heavy metals nowadays are present in the environment due to rapid industrialization. Industrial wastes containing heavy metals flow through the agricultural areas and eventually accumulate in fishery resources. As per the European Union (EC) 1881/2006, metals in fishery resources must not exceed the maximum level and the method of analysis for contaminants in foodstuffs should satisfy the limit of quantification in fishery resources which is 1/5 of the standard limit. The aim of this study is to perform the analytical requirements of method validation for heavy metal analysis using microwave-assisted digestion followed by AAS detection. Calibration for lead and cadmium gave a linear response from 1 - 10 ng/mL and 0.2 – 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. Accuracy and precision was evaluated by using certified reference material where the mean recovery for lead and cadmium was near 100%. Quantification limit for lead and cadmium also passed the criteria of European Union.