Atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupledplasma (ICP-AES) analysis of trace elements in Camellia sinensis teas

Abstract

The atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES) tehnique was used for determination of trace elements presence and their contents in Camellia sinensis teas and its tea mixtures. Samples were collected from macedonian market originating fromMacedonia, Serbia and Poland. For sample preparation microwave digestion systemusing HNO3 and H2O2 was applied. The followingtrace elements: Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P,Pb, Sr, V and Zn were determined in several types of tea products. The resultsshowed that K, Ca and Mg were the most abundant elements (10290 mg/kg, 6070mg/kg and 3070 mg/kg, respectively) and the contents of Mo and V were bellow detectionlimits. The elements Na and Li were detected at the widest ranges. As, Cd and Pb were detected at allowed quantities. The results for the content of all analyzed elements showed the expected variation among sampled teas and therefore these tea products may not produce any health risks for human consumption as sources of toxic metals. Keywords: Atomic spectrometry; ICP-AES; Camellia sinensis; trace elements; tea