Deka et al. 2023 — Monitoring strategies for heavy metals in foods and beverages (IntechOpen chapter)
This IntechOpen book chapter reviews analytical monitoring methods for heavy metals in food and beverages alongside current maximum permissible limits (MPL) and health risk assessment frameworks. The primary value of this source for the wiki is its comparative table of MPL values and analytical method descriptions. Methods covered include ICP-OES, ICP-MS, FAAS (flame atomic absorption spectroscopy), Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TRXF), Chemical Replacement Combined with Surface-Enhanced Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CRSENLIBS), and electrochemical aptasensors. Remediation strategies summarized include nanotechnology innovations, chelating ligands, plant phenolics, and bio-absorbents (microbial cultures, fermentation wastes). No primary food concentration data are generated; the chapter is a methods and regulatory summary with educational orientation.
Key numbers
MPL values cited in the chapter for water and food (Table 1):
- Cd: 0.005 mg/L (EPA), 0.003 mg/L (WHO)
- tHg: 0.002 mg/L (EPA), 0.001 mg/L (WHO)
- Pb: PTWI 0.025 mg/kg body weight/week (JECFA), 0.01 mg/L (WHO)
- As: 0.010 mg/L MCL (USEPA)
- Cr(VI): 0.003 mg/kg body weight/day
- Co: 5×10⁶ mg/m³ (CalEPA), 3×10⁵ mg/m³ MRL (ATSDR)
These are reference values, not food occurrence data. The chapter also notes excess Mn causes Mn-induced parkinsonism, excess Fe causes Parkinson’s disease.
Analytical method detection limit context (approximate LODs cited from literature):
- ICP-MS offers lowest LODs for most metals; FAAS highest but most accessible; GFAAS intermediate.
- TRXF cited as emerging screening tool.
Methods (brief)
Narrative review chapter, IntechOpen open-access, DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.110542. No primary data. Evidence tier B: useful as an analytical methods reference and for MPL summary table. MPL values should be cross-checked against primary regulatory sources before use in certification documentation.
Implications
Certification: Useful for testing methodology section of auditor guidance — describes the trade-offs between FAAS, GFAAS, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS in terms of cost, throughput, and LOD. ICP-MS is the gold standard for low-level detection; FAAS is accessible but insensitive. Remediation section relevant to mitigation documentation.
Courses: Good reference for testing methods module. Comprehensive overview of bio-absorbent and nanotechnology-based remediation approaches is useful for the supply-chain contamination reduction module.
App: Not a source of concentration values. Analytical method detection limits inform minimum quantification thresholds used in app uncertainty estimates.