Analysis of harmful heavy metals, sulfur and main trace elements from Paeoniae Radix Alba before and after sulfur-fumigated process by ICP-AES method
Liu, J.; Cai, H.; Liu, X.; Ma, X.; Li, S.; Zong, D.; Cai, B.
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 36(13): 1790-1793
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1001-5302 PMID: 22032146 Document Number: 648856
To analyze the contents of harmful heavy metals, sulfur and trace elements from Paeoniae Radix Alba before and after sulfur-fumigated process. Samples were pretreated by wet digestion and then subjected to elements analysis by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The contents of Cu and S elements were increased, while the content of Zn element was decreased in Paeoniae Radix Alba after sulfur-fumigated process compared with the samples dried in the sun. Moreover, heavy metallic elements, such as As and Hg, were detected in Paeoniae Radix Alba after sulfur-fumigated process. Sulfur fumigated process may cause residual of heavy metals and sulfur which are harmful to human body and change the contents of some trace elements.