“Determination of Trace Amount of Cadmium by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in Table Salt after Solid Phase Pre-Concentration Using Octadecyl Silica Membrane Disk Modified by a New Derivative of Pyridine” article addresses an issue that affects every person on a daily basis. Salt is consumed as a food additive as well as a food preservative making it one of the most commonly consumed substances. However, the presence of impurities particularly heavy metals in salt makes it a health hazard to the population. Such heavy metals include cadmium, lead, mercury, and chromium. The ingestion of these metals may bring about acute poisoning or cause longstanding health complications since such metals are non-biodegradable and have a propensity to accumulate in tissues. This study also uses absorption spectrometry, which is one of the topics covered in the PChem course, to detect the presence and quantity of cadmium in table salt.
Cadmium is regarded among the deadly elements in human beings as well as animals. Consequently, it is categorized among human carcinogens. Therefore, it is advisable that the highest everyday intake of cadmium should not exceed 1.2 micrograms per gram of body weight (Payehghadr, Esmaeilpour, Rofouei, and Adlnasab 1). The allowable amount of cadmium in common salt is 0.2 micrograms per gram of salt. However, the low quantities of cadmium in the surroundings and the intricacy of the sample matrix obscure the measurement of cadmium levels in salt. The authors of this article use solid-phase extraction technique to concentrate cadmium levels prior to quantification by atomic absorption spectrometry. A disc made of octadecyl silica customized with a novel by-product of pyridine ligand is utilized as a solid phase to curtail the hazards of cadmium exposure. Cadmium is thereafter detected using an atomic absorption spectrometer with a “deuterium background corrector” in addition to a hollow cathode lamp at a wavelength of 228.8 nanometres (Payehghadr et al. 2). A flame comprising a blend of air and acetylene is used. It is realized that the technique yields cadmium recovery rates between 93.75 and 95.4%. The researchers conclude that the method is exceptional in the determination of tiny amounts of cadmium in varying salt samples.
I agree with the researchers that pre-concentration of cadmium prior to analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy produces excellent outcomes. Their technique enables the measurement of trace amounts of the element, which is otherwise impossible because of the limits of detection of the instrument. However, I feel that the number of samples analyzed is too small as only two salt samples (Rahrahak and a commercial sample) are analyzed. I suggest that a larger number of samples be analyzed by the technique.
The information in the article matches the knowledge learned in the PChem class. For example, we have learned in class that absorption spectroscopy is a chemistry technique used to identify elements based on the amount of energy absorbed. This technique is useful in solving real-life problems such as the determination of contaminants in food substances thereby safeguarding the health of the public. This article provides a good example of the use of absorption spectroscopy in measuring the amount of cadmium in table salt.
Therefore, it can be concluded that this PChem course is very helpful in preparing for my future career. The course provides an in-depth background to various chemistry topics and techniques that are applicable to real-life situations. Consequently, by the time I pursue my career as an analytical chemist, I am going to have sufficient knowledge to help me cope accordingly.
Works Cited
Payehghadr, Mahmood, Sousan Esmaeilpour, Mohammad Kazem Rofouei, and Laleh Adlnasab. “Determination of Trace Amount of Cadmium by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in Table Salt after Solid Phase Pre-Concentration Using Octadecyl Silica Membrane Disk Modified by a New Derivative of Pyridine.” Journal of Chemistry, 2013.2013(2013): 1-6.