Determination of trace metals in color candies by atomic absorption spectrophotometer-slotted tube atom trap

In this study, determinations of Pb, Cd and Cu concentrations in color candies which children consumed these colour matters. In the selection of these elements, extremely toxicitiy of lead, carcinogenic of cadmium and essentiality of cupper at low concentrations as well as its toxicity at high concentractions were effected. The most digestion method was determined by examining microwave digestion and dry ashing method for candy samples. Quartz tubes were treated with Mo and V solutions to increase the sensitivity more than the former studies by using slotted tube atom trap. So, measurements by AAS were carried out by using quartz tubes treated and non-treated with Mo and V. Further, images of these quartz tubes were obtained by SEM analysis.The color candies such as bonibon, jelibon, topitop and chocolate in different mark were purchased. The samples were digested by using microwave method that is the best method. The obtained clear solutions were analysed by slotted tube atom trap (STAT)-atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).Among the analysed samples, metal concentrations were found in the ranges of 0.16-6.4 ppm for copper and 0.5-1.4 ppm for Pb in bonibon; 0.2-0.5 ppm for Cu and lower detection limit-1.4 ppm for Pb in Jelibon. Lead concentrations in color sugars were found in range of 0.6-1.8 ppm. Cd concentrations in the studied bonibon, Jelibon and color sugars were found lower than detecion limit. Finally, Cu and Cd concentrations in chocolate were found in ranges of 3.2-4.05 ppm and lower than detection limit-0.6 ppm while Pb level was observed to be lower than the detection limit. From the obtained data, it was concluded that children shouldn?t consumed the colour candies in extreme amount because Pb and Cu concentrations in some colour candy species exceed the limit values recommended by Turkish Food Codex.Keywords: Cadmium, Lead, Copper, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, SEM, candy, STAT.