Lecture 3 - Sample Prep Flashcards
describe the general flow of food analysis
sampling, pre-processing, processing, testing
what’s the purpose of pre-treatment and sample processing?
- reduce sample size
- homogenize
- prevent changes (contamination, deterioration)
- avoid matrix interference
name some methods of reducing sample size
- blenders
- coning and quartering (spice)
sample obtained from populations are usually (homogeneous/heterogeneous)
heterogenous
variations in properties of different units within the sample causes what?
sample heterogeneity
name some methods for homogenizing samples
- grinders
- mixers
- slicers
- blenders
mechanical homogenization often results in the undesirable production of _____
heat
grinding frozen samples in liquid nitrogen using a pre-cooled mortar and pestle is known as:
cryogenic grinding
what are 3 causes of sample loss?
- dust/particulates
- volatilization
- adsorption
list sources of loss of dust/particulates
- dry dust powder
- air flows generated by changes in temp
- breathing
how do you avoid loss of dust/particulates?
- never open the door of a hot furnace
- use a plug of glass or quartz wool to collect particulates when combustion is aided by stream of gas
- ash or finely ground samples should be covered before they are moved
- add reagents slowly to prevent losses as spray
list sources of loss via volatilization
- during heating of samples
- heat generated in grinding (lose water)
- volatile metals: As, Sb, Sn, Po, Pb, Se, Hg, Ge, B
- Cr volitized in oxidizing chloride media
- C, P, Si volitized as hydrates
how do you mitigate loss from volatilization?
use properly sealed vessels for wet ashing
how do you get loss from adsorption?
molecules adsorb to plastic or glass containers
how do you mitigate adsorption losses?
- use pre-treated glassware with an established hydrated layer
- soak new glassware overnight in a dilute nitric or hydrochloric acid solution
