STUDY OF SOME HEAVY METALS AND TRACE ELEMENTS

Abstract

This study provides an overview of the measurements of trace elements and heavy metals in table salt in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study is to investigate the heavy metal concentration in different type of salt samples consumed in Riyadh Saudi Arabia and comparing the concentrations of such elements with the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) has been used for sample measurement. The result showed that the concentration of heavy metals Cd, Pb, As and Al and trace elements Cr, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se and V fall far below the maxim permissible level set by the WHO and Food and FAO. It can therefore be concluded from this study the table salt, which are sold in Riyadh safe, healthy and free of any metal contaminants.