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Clean Sampling and Analysis of River and Estuarine Waters for Trace Metal Studies
Published on: July 1, 2016
Analytical methods and validation for determining trace elements in red wines
Susana Santos1, Nuno Lapa, Andreia Alves
1Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologia da Biomassa, Ed. Departamental, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal. susanaibsantos@gmail.com
Summary
Trace elements in Portuguese red wines were quantified using validated methods. While cadmium and lead exceeded limits in some wines, overall consumption poses no public health risk.
Area of Science:
- Food Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Trace element contamination in food and beverages is a growing public health concern.
- Portuguese red wines are popular globally, necessitating analysis for potential contaminants.
- Regulatory limits for trace elements in wine exist to ensure consumer safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify five trace elements (As, Hg, Cd, Ni, Pb) in Portuguese red wines.
- To validate analytical methods for trace element determination in wine.
- To assess the public health implications of trace element levels in Portuguese red wines.
Main Methods:
- Method validation included pre-treatment comparisons (HNO(3) pre-digestion, H(2)O(2) pre-oxidation, spiking).
- Quantification utilized hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS), electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS).
- Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) was calculated to assess health risks associated with wine consumption.
Main Results:
- Pre-oxidation with H(2)O(2) improved quantification accuracy for all analyzed trace elements.
- Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded international limits in some analyzed wines.
- No Portuguese red wine-producing region showed concerning THQ values for the analyzed trace elements under standard consumption.
Conclusions:
- Validated analytical methods enable accurate trace element quantification in red wines.
- While Cd and Pb levels may exceed standards, overall consumption of Portuguese red wines presents no significant public health risk.
- This study provides crucial data for ensuring the safety and quality of Portuguese red wines.
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