[Determination of six heavy metal elements in Zanthoxylum nitidum in twelve habitats of guangxi by ICP-AES]

Abstract

Objective: To determine the contents of six heavy metal elements in traditional Chinese medicine of Zanthoxylum nitidum in twelve habitats by ICP-AES.

Methods: Nitric acid- perchloric acid mixed acid digested system was used to completely decomposed the organic compounds effectually. The As, Cr, Hg, Ni, Cd and Pb were determined by the absorption spectroscopy under set up working conditions.

Results: An efficient, simple and accurate method was established. The recoveries were 90.82%-101.21% and RSDs were within 3.0%.

Conclusion: The contents of six heavy metal elements are different in Zanthoxylum nitidum from different habitats. As, Cr and Hg were not detected. The content of Pb which from eleven habitats is consistent with the standards of medicine and export except from Nanning habitats, meanwhile the content of Cd all exceeds those standards.