Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS) Methodology for Trace Element Determination in Eye Shadow and Lipstick

A graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) methodology for trace element determination (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb) in eye shadow and lipstick was developed. Several chemical modifiers and pyrolysis and atomization temperatures were investigated, allowing trace element determination through calibration Curves prepared with aqueous standards. Accuracy and precision were evaluated by recovery tests and by comparison with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) results. In order to better characterize the eye shadow and lipstick matrices, the major elements were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and ICP-OES. Mercury was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). Samples of eye shadow and lipstick of different colors and brands were analyzed, which were acid-digested in closed vessels in a microwave oven. The maximum concentrations found in eye shadow were: 11.1 mu g g(-1) for As; 0.40 mu g g(-1) for Cd, 16.8 mu g g(-1) for Co; 12,900 mu g g(-1) for Cr, 99,000 mu g g(-1) for Cu, 106 mu g g(-1) for Ni, 13.0 mu g g(-1) for Pb, and 0.74 mu g g(-1) for Hg. With respect to lipstick, the maximum Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations found were: 0.86 mu g g(-1) for Cd, 1.77 mu g g(-1) for Co, 5.43 mu g g(-1) for Cr, 0.89 mu g g(-1) for Cu, 4.43 mu g g(-1) for Ni, and 2.67 mu g g(-1) for Hg. Arsenic and Hg concentration in all lipstick samples were lower than the limit of detection (LOD).