Simultaneous determination of cobalt and nickel in vitamin B12 samples using high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry

•Nickel and cobalt simultaneously assayed in vitamin B12 formulations by HR-CS AAS.•Sample cleanup was not necessary for the determinations.•Method based on the proximity of spectral lines and relative abundances of analytes.•Methodology easily applicable to quality control of vitamin B12 production.

Nickel and cobalt were simultaneously assayed in vitamin B12 formulations by using atomic spectrometry. The proposed method is based on a compromise between the proximity of specific Ni and Co spectral lines and the relative abundances of the analytes in the samples. The analytes were found in concentrations ranging from 9.48 to 26.20 µg L−1 (Ni) and from 156.90 to 279.25 mg L−1 (Co) in the commercial samples of vitamin B12. The limits of detection and quantification were 1.21 and 3.64 mg L−1 for Co and 0.39 and 1.19 µg L−1 for Ni. Sample cleanup was not necessary for the determinations, and the interferences were discussed.

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