ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the optimum digestion condition by orthogonal design, and determine the chromium content in Carthami flos by atomic absorption spectrometry ( AAS) to provide the experimental basis for the establishment of trace element limit standard. Methods:The conditions of microwave digestion were optimized using L9 (34 ) orthogonal experimental design, and chromi-um was determined by graphite furnace ( GF)-AAS. Results:The optimal digestion conditions were as follows:nitric acid-hydrochloric acid system was with the ratio of 6∶2, the highest resolution temperature was 185 ℃ with the duration of 25 minutes. The chromium content in 15 batches of Carthami flos was with significant differences. The chromium content in 15 batches of Carthami flos was detec-ted withhin the range of 0. 53-88. 15 mg·kg-1, the average recovery was 97. 1% and RSD was 2. 2%(n=9). Conclusion: The method is simple, accurate and reproducible, and can be used in the quality control of chromium in Carthami flos.