Food storage containers may contain micro-particles of Ag, which serves as an anti-microbial agent to limit the growth of molds, fungi, and other microorganisms. Students study the leeching ability of three solvents — deionized water, tap water, and acetic acid — by measuring the concentration of silver in the leechate using graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. An analysis of variance is used to evaluate the relative importance of container type, solvent, extraction time, and the application of heat during the extraction.
The full citation is here: Hauri, J. F., Niece, B. K. J. Chem. Educ. 2011, 88, 1407–1409 and a link to the article is provided below (subscription to the journal required).
