Scientists have developed a way to detect two organic forms of arsenic additives in animal feed.
Using a high-performance liquid chromatography along with a plasma mass spectrometer (HPLC-ICP-MS), researchers were able to separate both roxarsone and p-arsanilic acid, All About Feed reports.
The extractions of arsenic compounds from formula feed samples were then studied, yielding interesting results.
According to the news provider, researchers found that the extraction mixed with one part methanol and one part water provided the "most efficient per cent compound recovery and the fastest extraction time for all arsenic species".
Arsenic has been linked to several health problems, most notably brain damage.
Being able to separate the chemical from animal feed compound in the UK could put the produce in demand, as farmers opt for the less toxic alternative.
If the separation process becomes common place, arsenic-free animal feed may be passing off conveyors up and down the country, before being rolled out to the nation’s farms.
Conveyors – screw conveyors – chain conveyors – belt conveyors