Investigation of heavy metal contents in infusion tea samples of Iran

Abstract

The current study aimed to determine the concentrations of five heavy metals in samples of infused tea from teas available in Iran. Eighty-one samples were divided into the three groups of bulk, packed, and tea bag samples. The investigation was performed using the inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry technique. The estimated daily intake of heavy metals was compared with the allowable daily intake (ADI), and the means were compared with the limits allowed by national Iranian standards. Results showed that infusion time had no effect on heavy metal content, except for Pb in bulk samples, and all means were within standard limits. Monitoring heavy metal content is still very important, because these metals are present in soils due to increased industrial activity and the use of pesticides and fertilizers.