Rapid assessment of metal contamination in commercial fruit juices by inductively coupled mass spectrometry after a simple dilution

Heavy Metal Removal from Commercially-available Fruit Juice Packaged Products by Citric Acid

“…Fruit juices are a highly appreciated, tasty food and usually have exceptional nutritional qualities. However, they can be a potential source of toxic elements, some of them having an accumulative effect or leading to nutritional problems due to the low concentrations of essential elements, justifying the control of mineral composition in juice [2][3][4] . In Iran just like most of other countries fruit juices are the usual beverages, and used in most of the festivals, ceremonies and celebrations and even in hospitals and schools.…”

“…They are served in dinner or lunch with biscuits, snacks or pastries and occasionally with breads. However, they can be a potential source of toxic elements, some of them having an accumulative effect or leading to nutritional problems due to the low concentrations of essential elements, justifying the control of mineral composition in juice [2][3][4] . Chemicals may be encountered as reactants, solvents, catalysts, inhibitors, as starting materials, finished products, by-products, contaminants, or off-specification products.…”

The presence of minerals in clear orange juices

“…Based on obtained results, it can be concluded that among the investigated macro elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na and P), the content of potassium was the highest (15.0−301.32 mg/L). High potassium content in fruit juices is not unknown, since potassium is naturally present in fruit in the form of potassium salt of tartaric acid (potassium tartarate) [20]. In addition to orange juice, researchers have also noted a higher amount of potassium than other macro elements in the juice samples from different berries [14].…”

“…Also, a high level of potassium was reported by Demir and collaborators (2015) who detected the potassium content of 1351 and 986 mg/L in 100% orange juice and nectar, respectively [21]. Although potassium is naturally present in fruit, other compounds such as sweetening agents (acesulpham K) or preservatives (potassium benzoate-E212, potassium sorbate-E201, potassium bisulfite-E228) which are added during the production, can increase the content of this macro element in fruit juices above the level obtained from the fruit itself [20]. According to WHO, the recommended daily dose of potassium is 2,000 mg [22].…”

“…Some compounds presented in the juices have been identified as mutagenic or carcinogenic [6,14−19]. The carcinogenic or genotoxic effects may be mediated by the interaction of juice components with transition metals or with autooxidation sub-products [18][19][20]. Bearing in mind all these states, as well as wide consumption of fruit juices, it is very important to evaluate industrial fruit juices for the consumer safety.…”