Determination of total sulfur concentrations in different types of vinegars using high resolution flame molecular absorption spectrometry

Total sulfur concentrations in vinegars were determined using molecular absorption of carbon monosulfide (CS) determined with a high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The molecular absorption of CS was measured at 258.056 nm in an air–acetylene flame. Due to non-spectral interference, as well as the different sensitivities to some sulfur compounds, all sulfur species were oxidized to sulfate using a HNO₃ and H₂O₂ mixture and the analyte addition technique was applied for quantification. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 11.6 and 38.6 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The concentrations of sulfur in various vinegars ranged from ⩽LOD to 163.6 mg L⁻¹.