Analysis and health risk assessments of heavy metals and nitrate migration into pickle beverages

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, inorganic arsenic, and aluminium) and nitrate contaminants in pickle beverages sold in the Turkey market produced from various fruits and vegetables. In addition, carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk assessments of exposure resulting from oral consumption of these beverages have also been made. The heavy metal concentrations in 22 pickle beverages were found to be in the range of 0.369 to 119.181 for Al, 0.136 to 6.561 for iAs, 0.020 to 1.326 for Cd, and 0.118 to 3.632 µg/L for Pb, while the nitrate concentrations were <  limits of detection (LOD) 117.320 mg/L. Hazard quotient values for heavy metals and nitrate are calculated as <1 in both genders and are safe regarding noncarcinogenic risks. Lifetime carcinogenic risk assessment indicated that some pickle beverages might pose a carcinogenic risk at grade A (>10−4) for iAs and grade B (10−6–10−4) for Pb in both genders.