Determination of Trace Elements in Maize Flour Consumed in Turkey by ICP-OES and Assessment of Non-Carcinogenic...

Maize flour is widely consumed in Turkey and may contain trace elements originating from agricultural practices and environmental contamination during cultivation, processing, and storage. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cd, and Cr in 20 commercially available maize flour samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). In addition, potential non-carcinogenic health risks associated with maize flour consumption were evaluated. The accuracy and reliability of the analytical procedure were verified using certified reference material analysis and quality control procedures. The mean concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Mn in the analyzed samples were found to be 18.5, 13.1, 1.7, 0.2, and 3.9 mg/kg, respectively, while Cd and Cr concentrations were below the detection limits. The obtained concentrations were evaluated according to international regulatory limits and previously reported literature data. Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment was conducted using hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values, and the results indicated that the detected trace element concentrations are unlikely to pose significant non-carcinogenic health risks to consumers. In addition, descriptive statistical analysis, Spearman's rank correlation analysis, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were performed to evaluate the distribution characteristics of the analyzed elements, investigate relationships among trace elements, and identify possible common sources. These findings may provide baseline data for future studies on trace element levels and dietary exposure assessment of maize flour consumed in Turkey.