Evaluation the level of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Pb in instant coffee available in Iraqi market

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. It contains many micronutrients, such as zinc, manganese, copper, and iron, but may also contain toxic metals like cadmium and lead, which have harmful effects as a result of their accumulation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of some trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Pb) in instant coffee available in Iraqi markets and to assess the potential health risks associated with their consumption. This study included sixteen commercial brands of instant coffee samples (one sample per brand, with three replicates per sample) collected from Iraqi markets between July and October ۲۰۲۵. Element levels were estimated using a Shimadzu AA-۶۴۶ atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) . All samples were prepared in triplicate and results are reported as mean ± standard deviation. The levels of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Pb ranged between (۱.۰۰–۱.۹) μg/g, (۷.۸۱–۱۰.۳) μg/g, (۳۷.۸–۴۴.۶) μg/g, and (۰.۰۰۸–۰.۰۱۸) μg/g, respectively. All concentrations of these elements, except iron, were within the permissible limits established by Iraqi Standard Specifications (No. ۱۴۴۷, ۱۹۹۹) and international guidelines (WHO/FAO). The estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and cancer risk (CR) for Pb indicated no significant non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks for consumers at typical consumption levels. However, the elevated iron levels in all samples warrant further investigation.

کلیدواژه ها:

instant coffee ، Trace Elements ، permissible level ، heavy metal