Metal contaminants in rice from Cuba analyzed by ICP-MS, ICP-AES and CVAAS
Zahily Herrero Fernández, J. R. Estévez Álvarez, A. Álvarez, Olegário Muñiz Ugarte, Iván Pupo González, Maydel Rodríguez González, José Araújo dos Santos Júnior, Mariana Brayner Cavalcanti, Otávio Pereira dos Santos Júnior
Abstract
Mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic are considered hazardous pollutants in the environment, which can result in a risk for human health. This study aimed to determine the contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn by ICP-MS, CVAAS and ICP-AES in paddy and brown rice, grown in different soils of Cuba. The interest to include Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn was because these elements are found in very high levels in agricultural soils. To assess the safety of the dietary intake of these metals, the estimated weekly intake was calculated. The contents of Cd and As were below the maximum limits. A higher value was obtained for Pb when compared to Codex Alimentarius limits. The weekly intake of Cr and Ni was higher than the maximum weekly intake recommended by FAO/WHO.