Determination of lithium, rubidium and strontium in foodstuffs

For the determination of total lithium, rubidium and strontium in foodstuffs the organic matter is destroyed by a wet-oxidation procedure. Both lithium and rubidium are measured by flame atomic-emission spectrophotometry, rubidium with the addition of a radiation buffer and strontium is measured by flame atomic-absorption spectrophotometry using the same radiation buffer. The optimum conditions for measurement are described and interferences noted. The accuracy of the method was assessed by measuring the recovery of these metals from foodstuff homogenates and values for standard reference materials are listed, for comparison with certified levels where these exist. From the results obtained standard deviations were calculated and derived limits of detection and confidence intervals are given. (author)