IJCA Vol 4 i1 2025 webmag - Flipbook - Page 56
56 The International Journal of Conformity Assessment
DMA) (Sadee et al., 2023). Differentiating between these
species allows for more accurate risk assessment and
the implementation of appropriate measures to protect
public health.
Studies have shown that corn can accumulate arsenic
in alarming concentrations. For example, Rosas et al.
(2015) evaluated arsenic transfer and speciation in
maize crops, 昀椀nding signi昀椀cant levels of accumulation.
Likewise, Guerrero (2016) developed a procedure to
determine inorganic arsenic in Mexican tortillas, 昀椀nding
concentrations of total arsenic that varied between 21.8
and 192 μg/kg, where inorganic arsenic represented
between 72.2% and 97.9% of the total. These 昀椀ndings
highlight the need for detailed and accurate analyses to
ensure maize safety.
Factors such as pH, organic matter content, and
the presence of other elements in昀氀uence the
bioavailability of arsenic in the soil and its subsequent
accumulation in corn. Rosas et al. (2015) and
Nawrocka et al. (2022) highlight that these conditions
can increase the mobility of arsenic, increasing its
absorption by plants. (See Figure 1.)
Analytical Techniques for Arsenic Speciation
Advanced analytical techniques play a crucial role
in arsenic speciation. The combination of highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and
inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) allows different arsenic species in corn samples
to be accurately separated and quanti昀椀ed, even at
trace levels. Guerrero (2016) used this methodology to
achieve an accurate detection of inorganic arsenic in
Mexican tortillas.
Cervantes-Corona et al. (2014) validated an analytical
method that uses hydride generation with detection
by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, allowing the
selective determination of As(III) in the presence of As(V).
This method offers an effective alternative for speciation
of arsenic in complex matrices such as corn.
Figure 1: Factors influencing arsenic accumulation in
maize. Diagram illustrates how soil characteristics—pH,
mineral content, and organic matter—affect how arsenic
species (As(III), As(V)) are absorbed by maize plants.
Role of ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation in the
Validity of Analysis
ISO/IEC 17025 requires laboratories to correctly apply
analytical techniques, which are demonstrated through
ensuring the validity of results, carried out by competent
personnel. This standard sets out general requirements
for technical competence, impartiality, and consistent
operation of laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025, 2017).
By implementing a quality management system based
on ISO/IEC 17025, laboratories ensure that they apply
methods that are 昀椀t for purpose and have competent
personnel to perform the analyses. According to ILAC
(2011), participation in pro昀椀ciency testing programs and
Ackley et al. (1999) demonstrated the development of
sensitive analytical methods for the determination of toxic the use of certi昀椀ed reference materials are essential
arsenic species in 昀椀sh tissues using microwave-assisted practices that support the technical competence of
laboratories and the reliability of results.
extraction and HPLC-ICP-MS. This approach suggests
that similar techniques can be applied to assess food
In addition, ISO/IEC 17025 promotes continuous
security in maize and other agricultural products.
improvement through risk-based thinking and objective
In addition, EN 16802:2016 provides a standard procedure evidence-based decision making, ensuring that
laboratories maintain high quality standards in their
for the determination of inorganic arsenic in food using
operations. Compliance with this standard provides
HPLC-ICP-MS, which is essential for the standardization
con昀椀dence in the results obtained, which is essential for
of test processes and the comparability of results
decision-making in food safety and public health.
between laboratories.
