Levels of selected metals in wines from different Herzegovinian viticultural localities

Abstract

Concentrations of seven metals indicated as hazardous to human health (Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, V, and Cr) were determined in 24 Hezegovinian white and red wines originating from four viticultural localities (Čitluk, Ljubuški, Stolac, and Trebinje). The concentrations of Pb, Cu, Mn, Ni, V, and Cr were determined by the ET AAS, and Zn concentrations were determined by the FAAS technique. Among seven measured metals, Zn and Mn were found in all analysed wines, while Ni was found in only four, and Cr in only five wines. Some wines contained metals at levels above the regulated maximum acceptable limits (Cu in four, Cr in three, Ni in two, and Pb in one wine). White wines from the Stolac locality were characterized by higher concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn. However, it was not possible to establish a firm link between the concentrations of the analysed metals and localities where grapes for wine production were grown for other wines.