Cd and Pb concentrations in the main groups of foodstuff

Abstract

Various chemicals such as pesticide residues, heavy metals, environmental pollutants and some other trace elements in the food chain can be accessed directly and indirectly. A large part of the heavy metals in human living environment comes from anthropogenic sources of business. Food intake is one of the main ways for contaminants from entering the human body. Over the past decades, a growing number of scientific food research related to pollution by heavy metals and other pollutants. Cd and Pb are among the heavy metals that have caused most concern in terms of adverse effects on human health. The aim of this study was to determine Cd and Pb concentrations in various foodstuff groups that are sold in Lithuanian supermarkets. Cd and Pb were measured by atomic absorption method using an atomic absorption spectrometer Shimadzu AA-6800th. Samples were purchased from the major supermarkets in Lithuania and market. Producers and suppliers were from different countries. Collection of samples was carried out in 2012-2013 (October-March). A total of 37 samples were collected. Were analyzed: meat, fish and seafood, vegetables, oil and baby food. Maximum concentration of Pb was found in Iceberg lettuce (0.5042±0.0148 mg/kg). Maximum concentration of Cd was found in squid (0.8669±0.3561 mg/kg). The analysis had revealed that the supplier and the foodstuff are statistically not significant (p>0.005) for the concentration of Cd and Pb. Wilks test value indicates that more influence for Cd and Pb concentration had the producer than the product (0.87; p<0.05). Supplier did not have the influence for Cd and Pb concentration, because as the results showed it was statistically not significant (p>0.05). These procedures are rapid and accurate, and can be considered useful for the routine determination of Pb and Cd in the quality control of food samples.