TXRF for Brominated Oil Detection: A Practical Halogen Analysis Tool

The recent FDA prohibition of Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) in beverages has highlighted significant challenges in detecting bromine at low concentrations, particularly for regulatory testing laboratories. Traditional ICP-based methods are often unsuitable for halogen quantification, necessitating alternative analytical techniques. This study explores the potential of Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) for bromine detection in complex oil matrices, demonstrating its utility in addressing these analytical needs.
A wide selection of beverage samples were prepared as thin films on quartz substrates and analyzed for bromine content using benchtop TXRF equipment. Internal standardization with gallium was used to quantify results. Spike-and-recovery experiments evaluated the method’s performance in preserving the volatile bromine, while repeatability was assessed across multiple replicates for each sample.
TXRF achieved bromine detection limits below 10 ug/L (PPB) across all analyzed oil samples. Detection limit calculations based on FDA guidelines (40 CFR Ch. 1 Pt. 136 App. B) demonstrated TXRF’s suitability for regulatory screening. Recovery rates for spiked samples varied between 85% and 140%, indicating the need for matrix-specific calibration in complex oils. Notably, several samples contained bromine despite the absence of BVO in their ingredient lists, raising concerns about contamination or undeclared brominated compounds in consumer goods.
This study establishes TXRF as a robust and adaptable analytical tool for trace detection in oils, addressing gaps left by traditional techniques like ICP as new requirements emerge. By offering a cost-effective, sensitive, and reliable alternative to ICP, TXRF empowers laboratories to meet stringent regulatory requirements and ensures compliance with evolving industry standards.