Re: What kind of device can you use to find the amount of iron in rice?

Dear Jeri,

The atomic absorption spectrometer is indeed the
device of choice for that type of Iron analysis.  
Another means would be to use “Colorimetric Analysis” where a reagent
is added to a solution of the material you wish to test.  
After some time, color will form and the intensity will be proportional
to the amount of Iron present in the original material.
An example would be MadSci question # 930099860.Ch
Several other types of analysis are possible as well.
Titration with a complex forming reagent like EDTA
would work, and so would electrochemical reduction of the
Fe(+3) to Fe(+2) with a potentiometric titration.
A classical method would involve precipitating the Iron as
Iron (III) Hydroxide, and then driving off the water in a furnace
to produce Fe2O3 in what is called a gravimetric analysis.

These types of analysis are described in college analytical
chemistry textbooks.  Your library should have a couple.
Look for titles such as “Quantitative Analysis” or 
“Instrumental Analysis”  These will be very good resources.

Keep up the good questions,


Dr. Mike Gallagher
Senior Research Chemist
J.R. Simplot Co.