R. Paranthaman, R.Vidyalakshmi, S.Kumaravel

Abstract

Determination of elements from the spirullina powder by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and to report efficient, reliable, receptive method of microwave digestion for better recovery of the elements. The three digestion methods are studied included, dry ashing method and microwave digestion. ICP-OES The method has been validated using RF power of 1450 watts, plasma flow of 15L/min, Nebulizer flow of 0.7 L/min and plasma view at radial mode for all elements. As, Hg, Se, Zn, P, Pb, Cd, Fe, Mn, Cr, Mg, Cu, Ca, Na and K). The results of the elemental quantification were analyzed and the microwave digestion method shows exhibits good quantity of minerals like Mg, Ca , P, K and Fe. The microwave digestion method is found to more reliable as compare to wet digestion & dry ashing method and hence recommended for better recovery. The element Potassium (K),Magnesium (Mg), Phosphorous (P), Iron (Fe),Calcium (Ca) gives better recovery by ash and microwave digestion method as compare to wet digestion method. All the elements are quantified successfully by ICPOES technique by all methods of digestion. Dry and wet digestion methods are tedious and time consuming compare to microwave digestion method, which is greener and simpler. The spirullina popwder can be used as supplementary food for deficiency of minerals like Fe, Mg and Ca.