Determination of two heavy metals (Zn and Cu) in Anti-diabetic and Iron supplements by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

This research aimed to quantify two heavy metals (zinc and copper) in 2 Anti-diabetic drugs and 3 iron supplement samples. The chosen samples were manufactured from different countries (Denmark, Poland, India, Egypt, and Belgium) at Bani Waleed City. The determination of selected elements was accomplished by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after wet digestion with concentrated acid HNO₃: H₂O₂ in a ratio of 3:1. From the obtained result, it was clear that heavy metals present in insulin samples were within an acceptable concentration range 1.21 μg/ml in Mixtard 30 and 1.31 μg/ml in Gensulin M30 for the zinc while the copper content was 0.137 μg/ml in Mixtard 30 and 0.423 μg/ml in Gensulin sample. The iron supplement samples contained Cu and Zn in μg/g (1.708 and 0.108 for the Irofix cap, 1.472 and 0.245 for the Feroxyl cap while the Iron velvet tab contained 1.984 and 0.256 respectively). All results were lower than the maximum limits and safe to use. Quality control of medicinal products especially drugs is highly recommended.