Analysis of metal content in tea samples Analyse de la teneur en métaux dans des échantillons de thé
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Abstract
Diet is a major pathway for human exposure to metal contaminants. Tea (Camellia sinensis L.), one of the most consumed non-alcoholic beverages worldwide, may contain trace metals.
This study aimed to assess the concentrations of four metals in tea infusions and evaluate potential health risks. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on eight brands of tea sold in Algerian markets.
Levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were measured using polarography. Results showed that average concentrations followed the order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd, with mean values of 69.42, 32.47, 0.91, and 0.05 µg/mL respectively. All values were within the safety limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Metal concentrations increased slightly with infusion time, though the differences were not statistically significant overall.
However, a significant difference was observed in lead levels among brands and infusion times. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values for all metals were below 1, indicating no significant health risk from consuming these tea infusions.
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