Determination, Estimation of Dietary Intake and Target Hazard Quotients of Heavy Metals in Wines from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Market

Abstract

Metals in red and white wines may stem from both natural and anthropogenic sources, with their concentration serving as an important parameter influencing wine consumption. The objective of this study was to determine the metal content in available wine samples from the Bosnia and Herzegovina market. Eight samples of red wine and seven white wine samples were analysed. Cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were determined in these samples given their potential impact on wine quality and thus human health. Metal determination was conducted using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Limit of detection values were calculated using two methods for standard solution preparation, utilising distilled water and 10 % ethanol as blanks. Moreover, a human health risk assessment of trace elements present in wine samples was conducted. The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in the samples were found to be below the maximum allowed limits according to the regulations set by the International Organization of Vine and Wine, as well as the national regulations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union and Croatia. The content of Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb in all wine samples was below the detection limit of FAAS. The data obtained indicated that consuming 250 ml of wine samples appeared to be safe regarding the health risk associated with the potentially toxic metal intake. However, consumers should remain aware of other potential risks associated with excessive wine consumption. Regarding winemakers and the wine industry, to reduce the metal content in wine, monitoring of metal content should extend beyond just the grapes to include soil, air quality at the vineyard locations, and at different stages of the winemaking process since metal content in wine has an impact on the sensory attributes and overall quality of the wine.

Keywords

• red wine
• white wine
• metals
• risk assessment
• faas