Determination of some Heavy Metals in Children's Food

 

Nazira Sarkis1, Saad Antakli2, Amjad Qabawa1

1Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

2Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: nazirasarkis@gmail.com, profnazira@alepuniv.edu.sy, antakli@scsnet.org, amjadkabaweh1995@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

This article discusses the levels of heavy metals such as copper, lead, and cadmium in various foodstuffs consumed by children in the Syrian market. It analyzed two cereal products, Brentolak and Sami, using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and a novel wet digestion method developed for precision and accuracy. Samples from all flavors and production dates of Brentolak and Sami cereals were collected and analyzed. The research showed varying levels of heavy metals in different samples and flavors. The concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Cd ranged from 1.366-1.51 µg/g, 0.014-0.038 µg/g, and 0.014-0.042 µg/g, respectively. For lead (Pb), the HRI values were generally below 1, indicating levels within safe limits. However, some flavors, such as Wheat and Milk and Rice and Milk from Brentolak, had values approaching 1, suggesting that while the risk is not immediate, continuous monitoring is required to ensure lead levels do not exceed safe thresholds and for Cadmium (Cd) levels, on the other hand, were relatively higher compared to the reference dose, with some samples, such as Sami Fruits and Brentolak Rice and Milk, displaying HRI values approaching or exceeding 1. This suggests a potential health risk for infants consuming these products over time, necessitating measures to reduce cadmium exposure in these formulas For Lead (Pb) CR values were consistently below 10⁻⁶, indicating negligible risk across all formulas for both brands and for Cadmium (Cd) CR were below 10⁻⁶ too across all formulas, The Sami Fruits and Brentolak Rice and Milk flavors presented the highest CR values. Comparative analysis with international standards shows safe levels of copper, but lead and cadmium levels require cautious monitoring and management. This highlights the need for serious quality control measures coupled with regulatory oversight, especially for food products meant for children, to ensure safety. These findings indicate the necessity for routine surveillance and strict control to limit the risk of heavy metals in children's foods.

 

KEYWORDS: Atomic absorption Spectrometry, Copper, Lead, Cadmium, Wet Digestion, Metals.

 

 


INTRODUCTION: 

Most parents depend on commercial baby foods, among them cereals, for all the convenience, nutritive value, and ease of preparation1,2. The products are supposed to cater to the growing children's dietary needs by providing some important vitamins and minerals3.

 

 

However, it is essential to ensure that such foods are free from toxins like heavy metals to protect the health of the children4-8. Heavy metals can cause a huge health concern for the children. For example, though copper in small quantities is essentially healthy and has a positive role, its overconsumption might result in gastrointestinal irritation, liver damage, and kidney harm9-11.

 

On the contrary, the least amount of lead is very toxic; exposure to it causes a wide array of symptoms, starting from developmental delays and learning difficulties to severe neurotoxicity12. Cadmium is classified as a carcinogen; exposure to cadmium results in renal injury, bone demineralization, and dysfunction of the lung13.

 

This research aimed to evaluate the concentration levels of Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd). in different kinds of marketed children's food products. More specifically, this is going to be done with several flavor types of Brentolak and Sami in different brands. The metals will be determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), which is a very sensitive method for determination down to traces of heavy metals in food samples14. The method of wet digestion we have developed is a unique one, which we are going to apply to ensure the trustworthiness of the results. Many studies have been carried out with respect to heavy metal concentration in infant foods: A study in Turkey reported Cu concentration in infant Formulas within the range of 2.37–4.91 µg/g15, and in an Ethiopian study the Cu levels where between 1.86–2.57 µg/g 16.

 

Lead (Pb) concentration: Research in the China indicated that concentration rates of Pb in baby foods varied from 0.36–5.57 µg/g 17, In a European study, lead was Measured in the most widely consumed infant foods across Europe18.

 

Cadmium (Cd) concentration: In the Chinese study, Cd contents of the infant foods were 0.13–3.58 µg/g, and in the Turkish study the Cadmium concentrations where between 0-0,69 µg/g

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Sample Collection:

Collect samples of various flavors of Brentolak and Sami cereal products available in the market in Syria. Ensure the samples represent a wide range of products commonly consumed by children. Use multiple samples with different production dates to ensure comprehensive analysis.

 

Chemicals:

Use distilled deionized water for all dilutions. Use nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen peroxide for sample preparation. Clean all glassware by soaking in Nitric Acid, rinsing with distilled water, and air drying before use. Prepare standard solutions from stock solutions of 1000 mg/L for Cu, Cd, and Pb (Merck) and using it prepared 1µg/mL for Cu and 0,03µg/mL for Pb and Cd.

 

Preparation of Samples:

Wet digestion was used by taking 3 grams of the sample and adding 10 ml of concentrated nitric acid, 5 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl), and 5 ml of hydrogen peroxide. A recycled distillation apparatus was used, and the mixture was heated to 100°C for 8 hours. The sample was then transferred to a beaker and evaporated to near dryness. Finally, the sample was transferred to a 5 ml volumetric flask and diluted to volume with deionized water.

 

Analysis Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS):

A Phoenix 986 AAWin V2.1 Atomic absorption spectrometer (England) with self-reversal background correction mode (SR lamp - BGC mode) was used in this study. The operating parameters for working elements were set as recommended by the manufacturer. The elements were determined by using air–acetylene flame. Wet digestions were carried out with a recycled distillation apparatus.

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Standard addition:

In this study, we identified the metal elements being examined using the standard additions method. This involved taking a fixed volume of the digested sample and incrementally adding increasing volumes of the standard solution to each metal, as illustrated in the subsequent table and figures. We chose the Brentolak product, which was processed through wet digestion, to demonstrate the standard addition curves.

For cu the stander concentrate is 1µg/mL

For Pb and Cd the stander concentrate is 0,03µg/mL


 

Table 1: Standard addition for (Cu, Cd, Pb)

Metal

Flask number

V (mL) sample

V (mL) stander

C (µg/mL) stander

A

C (µg/mL) sample

Cu

1

1

0

0

0.1

0,092

2

1

0.5

0.05

0.15

3

1

1

0,10

0.22

4

1

1.5

0,15

0.27

5

1

3

0,30

0.43

Cd

 

1

2

0

0

0.042

0.0059

2

2

0.5

0.003

0.059

3

2

1

0.006

0.081

4

2

1.5

0.009

0.103

5

2

2

0.012

0.123

Pb

1

2

0

0

0,05

0.0059

2

2

0.5

0.003

0.075

3

2

1

0.006

0.101

4

2

1.5

0.009

0.127

5

2

2

0.012

0.153

*Note: We used standard addition to determine the metals concentrations in all sample in this study

**Note: flask size 10 ml for Cu and 5 ml for Pb and Cd


We will present the curves for standard additions of the (Cu, Cd, and Pb):

 

 

Fig.1. Standard addition curve for Cu.

 

 

Fig.2. Standard addition curve for Cd.

 

 

Fig.3. Standard addition curve for pb.

 

5.2-Effect of Sample Amount of Brentolak Wheat and Honey Flavor on the Concentration of Cu, Cd, and Pb:

The concentrations of Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) were studied in different sample amounts of Brentolak Wheat and Honey flavor. It was found that the concentration of Copper was approximately in line with the concentration listed on the packaging. The concentration of Cadmium was within permissible limits, whereas the concentration of Lead was above the allowable limit. Additionally, it was found that the standard deviation was lower at the sample size of 3 grams, as seen in table 2.

 

Effect of Digestion Time on the Concentration of Cu, Cd, and Pb:

It was found that the digestion time had an effect on the concentration of Cu, Pb, and Cd, with the best results observed at 6 hours of digestion. At this duration, the concentration of Copper matched the labeled amount on the packaging, Cadmium levels were within permissible limits, and Lead was found in higher than allowable quantities, as seen in table 3.


 

Table2: Metal Concentrations in Samples

Sample Amount (g)

Mean Cu Concentration (µg/g)

Cu RSD (%)

Mean Cd Concentration (µg/g)

Cd RSD (%)

Mean Pb Concentration (µg/g)

Pb RSD (%)

1.0

1.4000

2.92

0.0210

3.89

0.0220

3.71

1.5

1.4200

2.04

0.0230

3.55

0.0230

3.55

2.0

1.4300

3.33

0.0237

3.98

0.0233

2.02

2.5

1.4400

1.61

0.0240

3.4

0.0237

2.44

3.0

1.4630

1.04

0.0247

1.91

0.0247

2.34

 

Table3: Effect of Digestion Time on Metal Concentrations

Time (hours)

Cu Concentration (µg/g)

Cu RSD (%)

Cd Concentration (µg/g)

Cd RSD (%)

Pb Concentration (µg/g)

Pb RSD (%)

2

0.9600

5.14

0.0127

7.44

0.0130

6.28

4

1.2000

3.4

0.0179

5.44

0.0210

3.89

6

1.4500

1.41

0.0227

2.08

0.0230

2.08

8

1.4400

1.45

0.0230

2.02

0.0233

2.02

10

1.4300

1.75

0.0231

1.99

0.0237

1.99

 


 

Fig. 4. Cu Concentration Over Time

 

 

Fig.5. Cd Concentration Over Time

 

 

Fig. 6. Pb Concentration Over Time

 

APPLICATION:

Five different flavors of Brentolak preparation were studied: wheat and banana, wheat and apple, wheat and honey, wheat and milk, and rice and milk. Three different samples with three different production dates were taken from each flavor, and the concentration of copper, cadmium, and lead was determined in them.

 

Four different flavors of Sami preparation were studied: rice, banana, fruits, and wheat. Three different samples with three different production dates were taken from each flavor, and the concentration of cadmium and lead was determined in them.

 

The concentrations of the elements were as shown in the following tables


Table 4: Brentolak Samples metals concentrations

Flavor

Production Date

Mean Copper* (Cu) µg/g

Cu RSD%

Mean Cadmium* (Cd) µg/g

Cd RSD%

Mean Lead *(Pb) µg/g

Pb RSD%

Wheat and Banana

Date 1

1.450

0.69

0.022

1.10

0.023

2.13

Date 2

1.436

1.06

0.023

1.92

0.024

1.65

Date 3

1.410

2.55

0.022

1.97

0.025

3.02

Wheat and Apple

Date 1

1.427

0.44

0.023

1.71

0.022

1.11

Date 2

1.366

1.12

0.024

3.07

0.022

1.97

Date 3

1.410

0.71

0.024

1.64

0.023

1.49

Wheat and Honey

Date 1

1.458

0.52

0.024

1.70

0.023

1.26

Date 2

1.510

1.32

0.024

1.09

0.024

1.05

Date 3

1.493

3.02

0.025

0.80

0.023

1.06

Wheat and Milk

Date 1

1.433

2.13

0.024

1.66

0.021

1.16

Date 2

1.440

3.18

0.025

1.42

0.021

1.22

Date 3

1.476

1.71

0.024

0.93

0.021

0.92

Rice and Milk

Date 1

1.446

2.87

0.031

1.27

0.026

1.32

Date 2

1.343

1.55

0.033

1.26

0.026

1.34

Date 3

1.450

1.83

0.031

1.59

0.026

1.11

*Note: The concentration for each metal is the mean concentration for 5 Different samples for the same Date

 

Table 5: Sami Samples metals concentrations

Flavor

Production Date

MeanCadmium* (Cd) µg/g

Cd RSD%

Mean Lead* (Pb) µg/g

Pb RSD%

Sami Rice

Date 1

0.022

1.69

0.022

1.81

Date 2

0.024

1.70

0.023

1.30

Date 3

0.023

1.52

0.021

0.96

Sami Banana

Date 1

0.014

2.52

0.018

2.05

Date 2

0.017

3.32

0.017

2.63

Date 3

0.021

2.10

0.014

2.90

Sami Fruits

Date 1

0.040

0.91

0.036

1.29

Date 2

0.042

0.98

0.034

1.57

Date 3

0.039

1.92

0.038

1.33

Sami Wheat

Date 1

0.026

1.78

0.031

1.29

Date 2

0.027

2.53

0.028

2.37

Date 3

0.024

2.45

0.027

2.88

*Note: The concentration for each metal is the mean concentration for 5 Different samples for the same Date

 

Table 6: Health Risk Index (HRI) and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) Calculation for Brentolak:

Flavor

Production Date

(Cu) HRI

(Cd) HRI

(Pb) HRI

(Cd) CR

(Pb) CR

Wheat and Banana

Date 1

0.72500

0.92000

0.47000

2.68 × 10⁻⁶

3.91 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Banana

Date 2

0.71835

0.94000

0.48800

2.81 × 10⁻⁶

4.08 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Banana

Date 3

0.70500

0.91600

0.50600

2.68 × 10⁻⁶

4.25 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Apple

Date 1

0.71365

0.93600

0.45400

2.81 × 10⁻⁶

3.74 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Apple

Date 2

0.68335

0.99200

0.45800

2.93 × 10⁻⁶

3.74 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Apple

Date 3

0.70500

0.98400

0.47000

2.93 × 10⁻⁶

3.91 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Honey

Date 1

0.72915

0.98000

0.47600

2.93 × 10⁻⁶

3.91 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Honey

Date 2

0.75500

0.96800

0.48000

2.93 × 10⁻⁶

4.08 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Honey

Date 3

0.74665

1.00000

0.47600

3.05 × 10⁻⁶

3.91 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Milk

Date 1

0.71665

0.97600

0.43600

2.93 × 10⁻⁶

3.57 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Milk

Date 2

0.72000

1.01600

0.43400

3.05 × 10⁻⁶

3.57 × 10⁻⁶

Wheat and Milk

Date 3

0.73835

0.98800

0.43600

2.93 × 10⁻⁶

3.57 × 10⁻⁶

Rice and Milk

Date 1

0.72335

1.25600

0.53400

3.78 × 10⁻⁶

4.42 × 10⁻⁶

Rice and Milk

Date 2

0.67165

1.32400

0.53800

4.03 × 10⁻⁶

4.42 × 10⁻⁶

Rice and Milk

Date 3

0.72500

1.26000

0.53800

3.78 × 10⁻⁶

4.42 × 10⁻⁶

 

Table 7: Health Risk Index (HRI) and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) Calculation for Sami

Flavor

Production Date

(Cd) HRI

(Pb) HRI

(Cd) CR

(Pb) CR

Sami Rice

Date 1

0.89720

0.44600

2.68 × 10⁻⁶

3.74 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Rice

Date 2

0.97880

0.46400

2.93 × 10⁻⁶

3.91 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Rice

Date 3

0.94800

0.43200

2.81 × 10⁻⁶

3.57 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Banana

Date 1

0.56000

0.36000

1.71 × 10⁻⁶

3.06 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Banana

Date 2

0.70680

0.34000

2.07 × 10⁻⁶

2.89 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Banana

Date 3

0.85880

0.28000

2.56 × 10⁻⁶

2.38 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Fruits

Date 1

1.76000

0.72000

4.88 × 10⁻⁶

6.12 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Fruits

Date 2

1.69880

0.68000

5.12 × 10⁻⁶

5.78 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Fruits

Date 3

1.59320

0.76000

4.76 × 10⁻⁶

6.46 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Wheat

Date 1

1.06120

0.62000

3.17 × 10⁻⁶

5.27 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Wheat

Date 2

1.10920

0.56000

3.29 × 10⁻⁶

4.76 × 10⁻⁶

Sami Wheat

Date 3

0.98520

0.54000

2.93 × 10⁻⁶

4.59 × 10⁻⁶

 


Risk Indicators and Data Analysis:

HRI: The values indicate that lead levels are generally within safe limits, but levels close to 1 should be monitored to ensure they do not exceed safe limits.
Evaluation: Lead levels require careful monitoring to ensure they do not exceed daily reference doses.

HRI: The values indicate that cadmium levels are relatively high compared to the reference dose (RFD) and should be closely monitored. Evaluation: Cadmium levels may pose a potential health risk and measures should be taken to reduce exposure.

 

Carcinogenic Risk (CR) Interpretation:

CR < 10⁻⁶: Negligible risk. 10⁻⁶< CR < 10-4: Acceptable risk range (often used by regulatory agencies).

CR > 10-4: Significant risk, requires action to reduce exposure.

 

CONCLUSION:

This study successfully determined the levels of Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd) in various children's food products, specifically focusing on Brentolak and Sami cereal products available in Syria. Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and a unique wet digestion method, we achieved precise and reliable results.

 

These findings underscore the critical importance of regular monitoring and stringent regulations to mitigate the risks posed by heavy metals in children's foods. The study provides actionable recommendations for manufacturers to enhance safety protocols and for regulatory bodies to implement rigorous testing and quality control measures. By ensuring the safety and quality of these essential dietary products, we can better protect the health of children who consume them.

 

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Received on 27.08.2024      Revised on 11.12.2024

Accepted on 28.02.2025      Published on 27.03.2025

Available online from March 27, 2025

Research J. Pharmacy and Technology. 2025;18(3):1368-1373.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2025.00197

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