Evaluation of Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, and Nickel Content in Various Types of Nuts: Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Peanuts, and Walnuts – Health Risk of Polish Consumers

• DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04438-4
• Publication Date: 2024-11-06T02:03:27Z
• Authors: Małgorzata Ćwielą...; Joanna Nieć-Leśniak; Agnieszka Białek-...; Agata Piekut; Agata Kiciak; Grzegorz Dziubanek; Elżbieta Szczepańska
• Keywords: Brazil nut; Health hazard

Abstract World production and consumption of nuts continue to rise year on year. Nuts, due their high nutrient content, are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. A potential health risk may result from the contaminated with metallic trace elements like cadmium or lead. In this research, we measured content Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni in various edible nuts. All were detected using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry analytical technique (ETAAS). The study material comprised 69 nut samples including almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts available Polish market. Indicators such as hazard quotient (HQ) index (HI) used assess concentrations all analyzed follows: Cd: peanuts > almonds hazelnuts Pb: Ni: cashews Cr: & walnuts. Health indicators estimated for consumers whose diet is rich nuts, which recorded, indicate that an unacceptable impact occur, negative effects (non-cancer) will be moderate high.