BIO- AND TOXIC ELEMENTS IN EDIBLE WILD MUSHROOMS (SUILLUS LUTEUS)

The aim of this study was to perform analysis by flame and graphite furnace AAS the content of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn and Fe in wild edible mushrooms Suillus luteus. The samples were collected from the Batak Mountain. All metals concentrations were determined on a dry weight basis. The average content of studied elements: Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn and Fe in Suillus luteus samples were: 0.66 mg kg-1, 0.52 mg kg-1, 0.55 mg kg-1, 0.51 mg kg-1, 11.33 mg kg-1, 0.98 mg kg-1, 19.28 mg kg-1, 51.67 mg kg-1, and 114.41 mg kg-1.

Determination of aluminum in moisturizing body lotions using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Aluminum has been determined in body lotions after mixing with dilute nitric acid using graphite furnace AAS and Zr as a permanent modifier.

Quality and safety of some commercial spices brands

In this study, in order to evaluate the quality and safety of selected commercial spices brands, contents of moisture and minerals, as well as the concentration of certain heavy metals (As, Hg and Pb) were determined in oregano, sweet basil, parsley and celery. The spice samples were subjected to microwave digestion, and were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), using hydride generation AAS technique, cold vapor AAS technique, and graphite furnace AAS technique for determination of As, Hg and Pb, respectively. Maximum concentrations of As and Pb were determined in the same brand sample of celery, and are 0.75 ppm and 0.40 ppm, respectively, while the maximum concentration of Hg in various brands sweet basil samples is 0.05 ppm. According to the results, the contents of moisture and minerals, as well as the concentrations of heavy metals in all selected spices were below the maximum permissible limits declared by the national legislations, and are safe for human consumption.