Abstract :
A continuous ultrasound-assisted extraction system connected to a flow injection manifold has been used for the on-line determination of zinc in meat samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. An experimental design was used for the optimisation of the continuous manifold. This flow injection methodology allowed a sampling frequency of ca. 80 samples per hour with a relative standard deviation for the whole procedure of 0.3% (for a sample containing 163.6 (mu)g g^-1 Zn). The detection limit was 0.6 (mu)g g^-1 for a sample amount of 5 mg. Accurate results were obtained by measuring certified reference materials (BCR-186 (pig kidney) and BCR-184 (bovine muscle)). The analytical procedure was applied to different real meat samples with satisfactory results.
