Single-step solubilization of milk samples with N,N-dimethylformamide for inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis and classification based on their elemental composition

•A rapid method to analyze milks by ICPMS has been performed.•Single-step sample solubilization with dymethylformamide was proposed.•The suggested procedure avoids plasma instability and carbon deposit on the cones.•PCA was used to correlate the content of trace metals with the kind of milk.•This approach could be used for routine analysis, and quality control of milks.

A single-step procedure for trace elements analysis of milk samples is presented. Solubilization with small amounts of dymethylformamide (DMF) was assayed prior to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) detection with a high efficiency sample introduction system. All main instrumental conditions were optimized in order to readily introduce the samples without matrix elimination. In order to assess and mitigate matrix effects in the determination of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Eu, Ga, Gd, Ge, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Rb, Sm, S, Sr, Ta, Tb, V, Zn, and Zr, matrix matching calibration with 103Rh as internal standard (IS) was performed. The obtained limits of detection were between 0.68 (Tb) and 30 (Zn) μg L−1. For accuracy verification, certified Skim milk powder reference material (BCR 063R) was employed. The developed method was applied to trace elements analysis of commercially available milks. Principal components analysis was used to correlate the content of trace metals with the kind of milk, obtaining a classification according to adults, baby or baby fortified milks. The outcomes highlight a simple and fast approach that could be trustworthy for routine analysis, quality control and traceability of milks.

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