Volume : 3, Issue : 5, May - 2014

Analysis of Heavy Metals Content in Spices Collected from Local Market of Mumbai by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer.

Ms. Nikita Sharma, Mr. Balaji P. More, Ms. Deepika Bhandari, Dr. Swati D. Wavhal

Abstract :

This study has been conducted to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As) ) in ten (10) commonly used spices available in the local markets of Mumbai. Spice samples were collected from the local grocery shop of Mumbai. The samples were processed, digested and finally analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The results revealed the concentration of Cadmium (Cd) in the ranges of 0.194 – 3.17 ppm which is more than the maximum permissible limit in most of the spices. The concentration of Lead (Pb) was detected which ranged from 1.52 – 2.92 ppm. Arsenic (As) was found in the Fennel seeds sample only i.e. 0.92 ppm. Concentration of Mercury (Hg) ranges from 0.1 – 0.3 ppm. Pb, As and Hg levels in all the spices is within the safe limits as found on their comparison with the safety standards of World Health Organization (WHO).