Determination of Metals in Wort and Beer Samples using the Agilent 5110 ICP-OES

Importance of the Topic

Beer quality and flavor stability are strongly influenced by trace and major metals introduced during mashing, boiling, fermentation, and packaging stages of brewing. Monitoring these elements is essential to prevent off-flavors, control pH, optimize yeast performance, and ensure consistency of the final product.

Study Objectives and Overview

This work aimed to develop and validate a robust, high-throughput method for simultaneous quantification of calcium potassium magnesium sodium copper iron manganese and zinc in wort and finished beer. The study also evaluated a semiquantitative screening approach for additional elements using the IntelliQuant feature of the ICP Expert software.

Instrumentation Used

The core analytical system was an Agilent 5110 Vertical Dual View ICP-OES equipped with a SeaSpray nebulizer double-pass cyclonic spray chamber and a 1.8 mm i.d. injector torch. A solid-state RF system at 27 MHz and a high-speed Vista Chip II CCD detector provided stable plasma conditions and rapid multispectral detection.

Methodology

Wort and beer samples sourced from New Belgium Brewing were sonicated to remove dissolved CO2 and then diluted in nitric acid ethanol matrices. Multi-element calibration standards and matrix-matched quality control checks were prepared across relevant concentration ranges for both major and minor elements. The combined run mode of radial and axial viewing optimized sensitivity and extended dynamic range. Detection limits were determined from blank replicates and sample standard deviations. Recoveries were assessed through low and high continuing calibration verifications potassium checks and zinc-spiked control samples.

Main Results and Discussion

Sub-ppm detection limits were achieved for all target analytes with method detection limits below typical concentration levels in brewing samples. Calibration curves exhibited correlation coefficients greater than 0.999 and less than 10 percent error across calibration points. QC spike recoveries remained within ±10 percent of expected values. Quantified concentrations of metals in wort and finished beer fell within specified limits and revealed element migration and loss patterns during fermentation and conditioning. Semiquantitative IntelliQuant screening identified elevated silicon levels derived from malt constituents which may be relevant for nutritional labeling and process optimization.

Benefits and Applications

The presented ICP-OES approach offers rapid multielement quantification with low argon consumption and minimal sample preparation. It enables brewers to track metal content throughout production for quality assurance flavor control and regulatory compliance. The IntelliQuant feature adds value by providing a broad elemental overview without altering routine protocols.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging solid-state RF technologies and enhanced detector architectures will further improve sensitivity and stability. Integration of real-time process monitoring systems and expanded semiquantitative libraries can support dynamic control of brewing operations. Application of similar workflows to other beverage matrices and contaminants screening represents a growing opportunity in food safety and nutritional analysis.

Conclusion

The validated Agilent 5110 VDV ICP-OES method delivers accurate precise and efficient determination of major and trace metals in wort and beer. Coupled with IntelliQuant screening it equips laboratories with a comprehensive solution for beverage quality control and process optimization.

References

• Dana Sedin Stacey Williams Elizabeth Kulikov Jenny Nelson Greg Gilleland 2017 Determination of Metals in Wort and Beer Samples using the Agilent 5110 VDV ICP-OES Agilent Technologies publication number 5991-8394EN