Fast and direct analysis of Cr, Cd and Pb in brown sugar by GF AAS

A simple and fast analytical method for the determination of Cr, Pb and Cd in brown sugar by GF AAS using slurry sampling was developed and in house validated for the first time. Analytical curves were prepared by external standardization for Cr, and by matrix simulation for Pb and Cd and they were linear. Low limits of quantification for Cr (32.8 ng g(-1)), Pb (49.3 ng g(-1)) and Cd (4.5 ng g(-1)) were found. Repeatability and intermediate precision estimates (< 10% and < 15%, respectively) and recovery rates (95-103%) demonstrated a good precision and accuracy. The levels in brown sugar samples ranged from < 32.8 to 160 ng g(-1) for Cr, from < 49.3 to 211.0 ng g(-1) for Pb and from < 4.5 to 7.0 ng g(-1) for Cd and they may be assigned to anthropogenic activities and the adoption of inadequate practices of production and processing.