Study on heavy metals and selected anions in most popular herbal distillates

The content of 7 heavy metals (Pb, Co, Cd, Mn, Mg, Fe and Cu) and 4 anions (NO3-, NO2-, PO4-3 and SO4-2) was evaluated in 20 most popular herbal distillates in Bushehr, Iran. The concentration of heavy metals was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). In the herbal distillates Mg was found in the highest concentration varying from 90 to 8970 μg/l. The lowest content of heavy metals were none detected in Cd, Pb, Cu and Mn. The mean NO3-, NO2-, PO4-3 and SO4-2 content of the samples was 527.5, 17.5, 38.5 and 24 μg/l respectively. Due to the presence of heavy metals and anions contamination in some herbal distillates samples studied, monitoring and control in various stages of produce and distribution of these herbal distillates should be done.

Keywords:

heavy metals , herbal distillates , anions