Trace elements

The Grain Research Laboratory's Trace Elements program provides specialized analytical services for grain safety assurance focussed on trace element issues in Canadian grains. Grain safety assurance is a high priority issue for Canadian grain in domestic and international markets.

Research and services

The Trace Elements program provides test results to:

• Establish baseline and background data for the GRL cargo monitoring program
• Support cargo grain safety assurance statements of assurance
• Certify export shipments for trace element grain safety assurance issues

Program researchers:

• Collaborate with the grain industry on trace element baseline studies (spatial and temporal). For example, researchers work with Pulse Canada to provide information, data and mapping of trace elements for Canadian pulses.
• Participate nationally and internationally in collaborative trace element research. For example, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada-funded Metals in the Human Environment Research Network for trace element collaborative research involving government, academic and industry agencies. This Research Network focuses on trace element issues in agriculture, food intake and environmental studies in a national forum.
• Coordinate a national check sample program for trace elements in cereals, pulses and oilseeds

Researchers are also involved in method development research for trace element analysis and sample preparation techniques.

Technology, methods and standards

The program utilizes the following technologies for trace element determination:

• Simultaneous multi-element graphite furnace atomic absorption
• Flame atomic absorption and hydride generation atomic absorption
• Mercury amalgam technology; no sample preparation, direct pyrolysis
• Sample preparation by closed vessel microwave digestion techniques

Some of these methods have been published in the Journal of the AOAC International.