Determination of four heavy metals in mung beans using supramolecular eutectic solvent/MWCNT combined with ICP-MS

Despite the recognized detoxification properties of mung bean, its capacity to accumulate heavy metals may pose potential risks. In this study, magnetic carbon nanotubes were modified with a supramolecular eutectic solvent (SUPRADES) to prepare a SUPRADES/MWCNTs sorbent. This sorbent was applied to develop a new method for the determination of heavy metals such as As, Pb, Cd, and Cr in mung beans by magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled with ICP-MS. The sorbent was characterized by FT-IR and TEM techniques, and the optimal experimental parameters were established by evaluating adsorbent dosage, dispersion method, extraction time, elution time, and other factors. Recovery experiments were performed to validate the accuracy and reproducibility of the method. The method achieved high recoveries (95.8% to 105.4%) for the detection of As, Pb, Cd, and Cr in mung beans, with a linear range from 1 to 500 ng·mL -1 . Overall, this method holds significant promise for sensitive and reliable heavy metal monitoring in legumes, and provides valuable insights for developing safety assessment approaches for other food crops. • A SUPRADES/MWCNTs supramolecular composite was fabricated, achieving enhanced adsorption efficiency and stability for heavy metal enrichment. • Supramolecular eutectic solvent/MWCNTs were used for magnetic solid-phase extraction with preconcentraation and separation of Pb, Cd, As and Cr. • The developed method is suitable for determination of heavy metal in mung bean samples.