Analysis of arsenic in rice in medan, north sumatera Indonesia by atomic absorption spectrophotometer

Abstract

Arsenic is a toxic element even at low concentration, therefore its presence in rice is a matter of concern for the public health safety. Several studies have reported that rice contain arsenic at high levels. Rice is the staple food in Indonesia with high consumption around 200 - 300 g/day/person, but the investigations on arsenic content in rice has never been done . The aim of this study was to analyze arsenic in rice commonly consumed in Medan. Samples were obtained from 4 traditional markets and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The highest arsenic concentrations were found in inorganic red rice 3.71 mg/kg; organic brown rice 3.40 mg/kg; inorganic white rice 0.33 mg/kg; and organic black rice 0.13 mg/kg. The results of study have shown that the levels of arsenic in rice vary widely and maybe harmful.