An alkaline dissolution-based method using tetramethylammonium hydroxide for metals determination in cow milk samples.

This study approaches the development of a method for the determination of Ca, Mg, Zn, and Fe in liquid and powdered cow milk. The method is based on sample dissolution assisted by ultrasound energy in tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) media and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Central composite design (CCD) associated with response surface methodology and desirability function allowed the fast and efficient optimization of the variables involved in the performance of the dissolution.