Multielement determination in sugar samples using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry after a simple dilution procedure and evaluation of the associated health risks

This study analyzed sugar samples to determine the concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The samples were diluted in a nitric acid solution and placed directly into the instrument's sample holder. Calibration curves were created with analyte standards prepared in sucrose, allowing for matrix matching and external calibration. Linear calibration curves were generated, and the detection limits were estimated at 0.3, 0.4, 0.4, 0.3, and 0.6 mg kg -1 for Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn, respectively. Addition and recovery tests for the analytes produced results ranging from 82% to 108%. The relative standard deviation (RSD, %) was below 7% for all elements examined. The concentration results were compared with those obtained via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after sample digestion, showing no significant differences between methods. The concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn ranged from 0.89 to 1.81 mg kg -1 , 2.92 to 3.56 mg kg -1 , 1.24 to 1.64 mg kg -1 , 1.23 to 1.85 mg kg -1 , and 2.66 to 4.04 mg kg -1 , respectively. Risk index assessments indicated no health risk for individuals exposed to sugar over their lifetime regarding the elements studied. • A simple dilution can be used as a sugar sample pretreatment for EDXRF analysis. • External calibration was possible by preparing standard solutions in sucrose. • The method enabled accurate and precise multielement analysis in sugar samples. • No health risks linked to sugar consumption were found for Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn.