ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Using Stripping Voltammetry to Determine
Heavy Metals in Cooking Spices Used
in Iraq
Mohammed Hashim Matloob
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Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science for Women, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
Submission date: 2016-01-08
Final revision date: 2016-03-30
Acceptance date: 2016-03-30
Publication date: 2016-10-05
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2016;25(5):2057-2070
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ABSTRACT
Monitoring heavy metals in herbs and spices is increasingly being reported from different parts of the
world. In Iraq and the Middle East, there is limited information on the levels of heavy metals in these
additives, although several spices are widely used in daily diets. In the present study the concentrations
of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Co, Cd, Pb, and Hg in 32 kinds of natural spices traditionally consumed in Iraq
were determined by stripping voltammetry. The highest concentration found (in mg kg-1 dry weight) was
that of iron (32.44-1,147) followed by manganese (6.42–285.8), zinc (5.45-129.3), and copper (2.58-30.71).
The essential elements of chromium, nickel, and cobalt were found at comparatively lower concentrations
of less than 5.900 mg kg-1, whereas the levels of the toxic elements Cd, Pb, and Hg were even lower
(0.010-4.159 mg kg-1). Strong elemental correlations (≥0.500) exist between the transition metals Cu,
Zn, Fe, Ni, Co, and Cr, reflecting their chemical nature and physiological functions. The average daily
contribution of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Cr from spices to the Iraqi requirements was estimated to be 21-61%
of the internationally recommended standards, while the levels of the toxic elements Cd, Pb, and Hg were
low and were found to pose no threat to consumers.