What is AAS?

AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) is an analytical technique used to measure the concentration of metal elements in a sample. Metal elements in the sample are detected through light absorption by atoms in a free state. AAS can measure metal concentrations in very small amounts, even at the part per billion (ppb) level.

How AAS Works

In AAS measurements, samples containing metals are atomized or converted into free atoms through heating in a flame or graphite furnace. These free atoms then absorb light emitted by a light source, such as a hollow cathode lamp, at a specific wavelength corresponding to the analyzed element. This light absorption causes a reduction in measurable light intensity, and this reduction is proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample.

The Role of AAS in Metal and Mineral Analysis

AAS analytical techniques are widely used in various fields, such as environmental monitoring, food safety, medicine, and the metal industry. AAS is highly effective in detecting toxic metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd), playing an important role in quality control and compliance with health and environmental regulations.

AAS in the Food Industry

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) plays a vital role in metal and mineral analysis in the food industry. This technique is used to detect and measure heavy metal concentrations and essential minerals in food products, ensuring safety and quality before consumption by the public. In the food industry, AAS has the following roles:

1.     Detection of Heavy Metal Contaminants
Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd): AAS is used to measure the levels of heavy metal contaminants such as lead and cadmium in food products. Research shows that the Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (GFA-AAS) method is effective in determining Pb and Cd levels, ensuring that their concentrations remain below regulatory limits, thus making the products safe for consumption.

2.     Analysis of Essential Mineral
Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn): In addition to detecting heavy metals, AAS is also used to analyze essential mineral content such as copper and zinc in food products. These minerals are important for human health, and AAS helps ensure that their levels meet established nutritional standards.

3.     Monitoring Contamination in Seafood
Green Mussels: Seafood products like green mussels are prone to heavy metal contamination, such as chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb). AAS is used to analyze the levels of these metals in mussels, ensuring that contamination levels do not exceed safety limits set by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) and the Indonesian National Standard (SNI).

4.     Supervision of Dairy Products
Sweetened Condensed Milk: In dairy products like  sweetened condensed milk, AAS is used to measure metal contents such as lead (Pb) and iron (Fe). This analysis is important to ensure that the products are free from heavy metal contamination and safe for consumption, following standards set by SNI and BPOM.

With high sensitivity and accuracy, AAS is a reliable tool in monitoring food quality and safety, helping the industry ensure that produced goods meet applicable health and safety standards.

Refrence  :

• Thermo Fisher Scientific. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) Information. Diakses pada 1 Februari 2025. https://www.thermofisher.com
• Oktavia, Dwina Putri. Dkk. 2023. Determination Of Contamination Levels Of Heavy Metals Lead (Pb) And Cadmium (Cd) In Food Samples By Carbon Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (Graphite Furnace Atomizer AAS/GF-AAS). Jurnal Kimia FMIPA UNMUL. Diakses pada 1 Februari 2025. https://jurnal.kimia.fmipa.unmul.ac.id/
• Suci, Ayrus. 2021. Penentuan Kandungan Logam Berat Cu Dan Zn Pada Sampel Air Limbah Kelapa Sawit Dengan Metode Aas (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). UNIVERSITAS JAMBI : FAKULTAS SAINS DAN TEKNOLOGI.
• Zahro, Kholisatuz. 2023. Analysis of Cr and Pb in Green Mussels from the Fish Auction Site, Klidang Lor, Batang Using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). Indonesia Journal of Chemical Science (3).