Alternative analytical method for direct determination of Mn and Ba in peppermint tea based on laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract

In this study, analytical capability of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) system based on Transversely Excited Atmospheric pressure (TEA) CO2 laser for determination of elemental composition of tea samples was demonstrated. Analysis of LIBS spectra indicated emission lines attributed to the elements Fe, Mg, Cu, Ca, Al, Mn, Ba, P, K and Sr. For quantitative analysis of Mn and Ba, a standard addition method was employed. Linear calibration curves with regression coefficients exceeding 0.95 were obtained. The accuracy of LIBS results was confirmed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis. Calculated recoveries for Ba and Mn were 99.7 and 102.3%, respectively. The results presented confirm the suitability of the proposed LIBS setup for rapid quantitative analysis of tea, while at the same time simplifying the overall analytical procedure. This approach can be easily used as a helpful analytical tool for food quality and safety control.