Abstract:

A method for simultaneous and quantitative determination of 18 elements including B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, V,
Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Cd and Pb in triticale was established. Samples were digested by using a mixture of HNO3
and H2O2 in a closed-vessel microwave system, and the 18 elements in the test solution were then detected by inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mass spectral interferences caused by polyatomic ions were corrected
by dynamic reaction cell (DRC). Sc, Ge, Rh and Bi were used as internal standard elements to correct the matrix effect
and signal drift. The linear ranges of Mg, Al, K and Ca were 0–10.00 mg/L, whereas those of the other elements were
0–50.00 μg/L. The limits of detection (LODs) of the 18 elements were in the range of 3.04–17.38 ng/L with relative standard
deviations (RSDs) between 0.95% and 12.50%. The accuracy and precision of this method were confirmed by reference
standard material (GBW 10011, wheat). The contents of B, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Mn and Se in triticale were obviously higher than
those in normal wheat, while the content of Na in triticale was lower than that in normal wheat. The technique presented in
this study is useful for the quality control and nutritional evaluation of triticale.

Key words: triticale, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, multi-elements, dynamic reaction cell, matrix effect