Determination and health risk assessment of heavy metals content in some common drinks in Tehran, Iran

Potentially toxic elements in non-alcoholic beverages, like carbonated drinks, juices, and energy drinks, can cause intoxication in humans. The presence of elements such as arsenic, lead, copper, and zinc in beverages can pose significant health risks. This study aims to investigate amount of these elements in non-alcoholic drinks in some common Iranian beverages and drinks using atomic absorption spectrometry. AOAC 999.11:1999 method was followed for sample preparation, which was subsequently analyzed for elements using spectroscopic analysis via atomic absorption methods of hydride generation and graphite furnace. The study revealed that ice products had the highest concentrations of arsenic (26 f 3 mu g/L) and copper (303 f7 mu g/L), while fruit carbonated soft drinks showed the highest levels of lead (22 f 3 mu g/L) and zinc (432 f 1 mu g/L). In contrast, sports drinks consistently displayed the lowest concentrations for zinc (34 f 2 mu g/L) and copper (14 f 1 mu g/L), and carbonated fruit soft drinks had the lowest arsenic levels (4 f 6 mu g/L). These findings highlight significant variations in heavy metal content across different beverage categories. None of the measured lead and arsenic levels exceeded the current permissible limit according to Iran's national standard. The study also compared beverages with unspecified allowable levels of toxic metals to the established standard for toxic metal content in drinking water. It was found that none of the beverages exceeded this standard. Furthermore, by risk assessment of carbonated soft drinks in terms of the four elements arsenic, lead, copper, and zinc, no non-carcinogenic risk was observed. However, it is suggested that beverages and drinks, as possible sources of some toxic metal intake for the Iranian population, need to be monitored periodically. While current levels adhere to safety standards, the elevated lead concentrations in certain products warrant further scrutiny to ensure public health safety. Continued risk assessments will be crucial in understanding the chronic implications of toxic metal exposure through commonly consumed beverages.