AA-1800 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer for the Determination of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury and Copper in Salvia Miltiorrhiza - Master's thesis - Dissertation

Determination of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury, and Copper in Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae Using AA-1800 Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Keywords: atomic absorption spectrophotometry; Salvia miltiorrhiza; heavy metals; aesthetic instrument; AA-1800. As traditional Chinese medicine gains more international recognition, its therapeutic benefits are increasingly appreciated. However, the presence of heavy metals in these medicinal materials has raised concerns globally due to potential health risks. Excessive levels of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and copper can cause serious health issues when consumed. This study aimed to determine the levels of these heavy metals in different sources of Danshen using the AA-1800 atomic absorption spectrometer, following the Chinese Pharmacopoeia method. The results provide a reference for selecting high-quality Salvia miltiorrhiza and establishing quality standards. The instruments used included the AA-1800 atomic absorption spectrometer, along with various reagents such as nitric acid, perchloric acid, hydrochloric acid, and concentrated sulfuric acid. For the determination of lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and copper, specific conditions were set for each element, including detection wavelengths, drying, ashing, atomization, and purification temperatures. For arsenic, the hydride method was used with a detection wavelength of 193.7 nm, while mercury was analyzed using the cold vapor-hydride technique at 253.6 nm. Copper was measured using an air-acetylene flame with a detection wavelength of 324.7 nm. The sample preparation involved wet digestion using a mixture of nitric acid and perchloric acid, followed by dilution with 2% nitric acid. For mercury, a different digestion method involving sulfuric acid and potassium permanganate was employed. Standard curves were plotted for all elements, showing strong correlation coefficients (R > 0.99). The analysis revealed that some samples exceeded the permissible limits for lead, cadmium, and copper, but not for arsenic or mercury. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring heavy metal content in traditional Chinese medicines to ensure safety and quality. It is recommended that planting areas should have clean environments, proper soil and water quality, and strict adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to minimize contamination. This research contributes to the development of safer and higher-quality herbal products for both domestic and international markets. Keywords: atomic absorption spectrophotometry; Salvia miltiorrhiza; heavy metals; aesthetic instrument; AA-1800

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