Estimation of Iron in Biological Samples by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

Estimation of iron in many biological samples is difficult as its level is very low. Hence a new methodology is developed for the estimation of total iron present in the sample. This method is based on the formation of iron III-thiocyanate complex using potassium thiocyanate (1.5 M) and hydrochloric acid (2N) as reagents. Estimation procedure is designed in such a way to measure wide range (0.5-5000 μM/mL) without dilution or concentration of sample. Pretreatment may be required as per physical nature of sample but it is same for all solids and that too for fluids. This methodology has the following advantages. It is a photometric method (l 478) can be applied for solid samples like food material, stool, tissue etc. The insoluble organic and inorganic forms of iron can be estimated. It is highly sensitive, even water sample purity can be tested for iron. It has good linearity at low and high ends of concentration. It is a most economical method as it does not require highly sensitive sophisticated instruments and long period for incubation.