VIEW ARTICLE    DOI: 10.1094/ASBCJ-47-0068

Determination of Aluminum in Beer by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Herbert P. Wagner and Michael J. McGarrity, Labatt Brewing Company Limited, Research Department, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4M3. J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem. 47:0068, 1989.

Various graphite furnace techniques were evaluated in order to develop an accurate, reliable method for the analysis of aluminum in beer. Both normal off-the-wall and platform atomization employing either direct concentration mode or method of additions resulted in inconsistent but always high recoveries for aluminum added to beer. Incorporating matrix modification, peak area integration rather than peak height measurement, use of the alternate wavelength 396.2 nm, and deuterium background correction in conjunction with platform atomization led to consistent recoveries of added aluminum (99-110%). These values were verified by the method of additions. A reliable atomic absorption method has been developed for the analysis of aluminum in beer.

Keywords: aluminum, GFAAS, matrix modification, platform atomization