Analysis of heavy metal accumulation food with X-Ray fluorescence spectometry

Abstract

The theme of the study is the examination of heavy metal accumulating ability of commercially available chicken, pork and beef liver samples and comparison with the limits specified by the laws. The measurements were carried out with the Delta XRF device manufactured by Innov-X, which operates on the principle of X-ray radiation. The lead content of all samples of the first and second sampling were beyond the maximum level (0.5 mg/kg) which is required by the Commission Regulation 1881/2006. The measured values were between 2 and 3 mg/kg for both samplings. In case the samples of the third sampling the lead content could not be detected by the applied device. The cadmium contents of the all samples of three samplings exceeded the required cadmium limit in the regulation (0.5 mg/kg). The measured values were between 10 and 20 mg/kg in case of all samples. Tin and mercury contents were not detected in the investigated samples by the applied measurement method. Among the non-toxic heavy metals the samples contained high amounts of iron and manganese, in additional each samples contained small amount of zinc, rubidium and antimony but these does not constitute a health risk due to the minimal amounts.