Determination of Copper and Zinc levels in some spices in local market


Abstract in English

The concentrations of Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) in samples of some spices available at some local markets in Syria were determined, after nitric digestion, using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The study showed differences in metal concentrations according to the edible part. Studied heavy metals were present in all samples at different levels. The concentration of Copper (Cu) and Zinc varied from trace to higher concentration. The maximum level of Copper (Cu) in the spices samples was 0.668 mg/kg. The maximum level of Zinc (Zn) in the spices samples was 2.523mg/kg. The analytical results obtained for the heavy metals indicate that the Copper and Zinc were present in all samples at concentration well below the acceptable daily intake recommended by the World Health Organization.

References used

ABOU, A.A.; and %5BAuthor%5D"ABOU, D.M. Heavy metals in Egyptian spices and medicinal plants and the effect of processing on their levels. Journal of Agriclture and Food Chemistry, Vol. 48, N° 6, 2000, 2300 – 2304
AGORAMOORTHY, G.; FU-AN, C.; and MINNA, J.H. Threat of heavy metal pollution in halophytic and mangrove plants of Tamil Nadu, India. Environmental Pollution Vol. 155, 2008, 320 – 326
AKERELE, O. Nature’s medicinal bounty: don’t throw it away. World Health Forum, 1993, pp. 390 – 395

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