Heavy metals content in Serbian old plum brandies

Abstract

Seven elements, namely, arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, iron and manganese were determined in 31 samples of Serbian plum brandies by applying atomic spectrometry techniques. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used for quantification of copper, iron, zinc, manganese, lead and cadmium; and hydride generation atomic spectrometry absorption for arsenic quantification. Measured concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic was assessed according to the Serbian regulations, official regulations of some other countries and in respect of microelements content in other similar distilled alcoholic beverages. Amounts of microelements in maximal recommended daily and weekly intake of plum brandy were determined. The influence of production (home made and industrial), type of wooden barrel (oak and mulberry), and duration of ageing process on the content of Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn in plum brandies, as well as coefficient of correlation between Cu content and pH value were also studied.