Chemometric Analysis and Human Health Implications of Trace and Heavy/Non-Essential Metals through ingestion of Carbonated and Non-Carbonated Beverages.

Abstract

Elevated levels of trace metals (TMs) and heavy/non-essential metals (HnMs) in commonly consumed beverages concern the public and regulatory agencies. Thus, frequent monitoring of these metals is critically important. The present study intended to assess TMs and HnMs concentrations and associated health risks in beverages. Ten metals, such as Mn, Co, Cr, Cu, and Zn (TMs) and Ni, Cd, Pb, Al, and As (HnMs), were quantified in different beverage brands categorized into two groups such as non-carbonated and carbonated beverages. Chemometric analysis such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC), and principal component analysis (PCA) were also performed to demonstrate the possible natural and anthropogenic sources of metal contamination. Among the TMs, the mean concentration of Zn (233.3 ± 3.3-291.7 ± 3.2 µg/L) followed by Mn (119.0 ± 2.3-146.4 ± 2.2 µg/L) was found highest in both carbonated and non-carbonated beverage samples. In the case of HnMs, the lowest mean concentration of Cd (7.4 ± 0.9-18.6 ± 1.2 µg/L) followed by Pb (4.1 ± 0.4-4.5 ± 0.4 µg/L) was observed in both types of beverage samples. The tolerable dietary intake (TDI) value for Ni and provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) value for Cd were higher than the value established by the WHO and EFSA. The computed values of the hazard index (HI < 1) and the cumulative cancer risk (CCR) indicated a low risk of exposure.