Determination of lead in Saudi Arabian imported green tea by ICP-MS

Abstract

Lead (Pb) in nine different Saudi Arabian imported green tea samples originated from China has been determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Tea infusion and microwave acid digestion procedures are used for sample pre-treatment. The concentrations range of lead (total) in the analyzed green tea samples is 0.231 - 6.340 mg/kg. The total concentration of lead released 3% - 19% into tea infusions with boiling water. The calculated average daily intakes of lead in tea infusions was low and within the bounds of safety (≤ 0.009 mg/day).