Determination of Arsenic Species in Apple Juice by LC-ICP-MS Analysis

Importance of the Topic

Arsenic is widespread in the environment and can appear in various chemical forms with different toxicities. Inorganic species (As III, As V) pose higher health risks compared to organic methylated forms. Monitoring arsenic species in foodstuffs such as apple juice is critical to ensure compliance with regulatory action levels and protect consumer health.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note demonstrates the integration of Shimadzu’s Nexera HPLC system with the ICPMS-2030 for rapid, sensitive speciation of arsenic in apple juice. The aim is to separate and quantitatively determine arsenite, arsenate, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) with minimal sample preparation and full control of the workflow via LabSolutions software.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample Preparation: Dilute 2 mL of apple juice with phosphoric acid and nitric acid to 10 mL total volume.
• Instrumentation: Nexera HPLC coupled online to ICPMS-2030, controlled by LabSolutions ICPMS TRM.
• Chromatography: Sigma-Aldrich F5 column (250×4.6 mm, 5 µm) with guard; mobile phase of 0.1 % formic acid containing 1 % methanol and 0.025 % tetramethylammonium hydroxide; flow 0.75 mL/min; 40 °C; 10 µL injection; 6 min run.
• ICP-MS Conditions: RF power 1.2 kW; plasma gas 9 L/min; auxiliary gas 1.1 L/min; carrier gas 0.7 L/min; Nebulizer 07; cooled cyclone chamber; mini-torch; helium collision gas.

Results and Discussion

• Calibration: Linear response for each species from 0.2 to 1.0 µg/L; detection limits (3σ) below 0.1 µg/L.
• Spike Recovery: 97–101 % for all four species, confirming method accuracy.
• Apple Juice Analysis: Measured concentrations – As V 0.09 µg/L; As III 0.27 µg/L; MMA 0.15 µg/L; DMA below 0.03 µg/L.

All values are well below the FDA’s 10 µg/kg action level for inorganic arsenic in apple juice.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High sensitivity and species-specific quantification enable reliable risk assessment.
• Automated workflow control simplifies routine laboratory operations.
• Minimal sample pretreatment reduces analysis time and prevents sample loss.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Further development of speciation methods and software integration will extend this approach to other food matrices, environmental samples, and biological fluids. Innovations in column technology and chemometric tools will streamline multi-element speciation.

Conclusion

The Nexera HPLC–ICPMS-2030 platform provides a robust, efficient solution for arsenic speciation in apple juice, meeting sensitivity requirements and regulatory guidelines. This integrated workflow supports food safety monitoring and can be adapted to diverse sample types.

Instrument List

• Shimadzu ICPMS-2030 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer
• Shimadzu Nexera Series HPLC System
• LabSolutions ICPMS TRM Software

References

1. FDA. Final Guidance to Industry: Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice. June 8, 2023.
2. FDA. Guidance for Industry: Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice. June 8, 2023.