Accurate analysis of chromium in foodstuffs by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with a collision-reaction interface

Food is a common source of chromium (Cr) exposure. However, it is difficult to analyze Cr in complex food matrices by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) because the major isotope, 52Cr, is masked by interference generated by the sample matrix and the plasma gas. Among the systems available to minimize interference, the recently developed collision-reaction interface (CRI) has a different structure relative to that of other systems (e.g., collision cell technology, octopole reaction system, and dynamic reaction cell) that were designed as a chamber between the skimmer cone and quadrupole. The CRI system introduces collision or reaction gas directly into the plasma region through a modified hole of skimmer cone. We evaluated the use of an CRI ICP-MS system to minimize polyatomic interference of 52Cr and 53Cr in various foodstuffs. The 52Cr concentrations measured in the standard mode were 2-3 times higher than the certified values. This analytical method based on an ICP-MS system equipped with a CRI of helium gas was effective for Cr analysis in complex food matrices.