ABSTRACT
Cobalt (Co) and arsenic (As) are two elements with associated thresholds to define them as prohibited substances in animal sports due to their potential performance-enhancing and performance-impairing effects. When elevated levels of cobalt and arsenic are reported above thresholds following routine analysis of urine or plasma samples collected from racing animals, further investigative analysis may be undertaken to understand the source of such findings. This can include, but not be limited to, the exposure of animal to inadvertently contaminated animal feeds (pellets, grasses/hays, grains), nutritional supplements or potential environmental sources including soil, contaminated water or treated wood. Therefore, robust analytical methods are required for monitoring these elements in complex matrices
A microwave-assisted digestion procedure was developed to quantify Co and As in variety of sample matrices. Samples were digested using a closed vessel microwave-assisted digestion technique to ensure efficient and reproducible matrix breakdown. Experimental parameters related to microwave digestion and acid concentrations were optimised. The digested samples were analysed using a validated Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) method. Recovery assessment and inter-laboratory comparison for samples was performed to verify the accuracy of the proposed method.
This developed method is suitable for routine testing of miscellaneous samples, offering a powerful tool to support integrity and animal safety within the racing industry.