Polyaromatic hydrocarbon contamination of fruits sold in areas with polluted air

Authors

  • James McConville University of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene
  • Katalin Lányi University of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene, e-mail: lanyi.katalin@univet.hu (correspondence) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1992-6324

Keywords:

PAHs, fruit peel, air pollution

Abstract

The aim of this research was to find out the levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that may be present on the surface of fruits sold in areas where these compounds would be abundant in the environment; a busy city area. It is important to be aware of the levels of PAHs on these foods because their ingestion may lead to the development of cancers. EU’s PAH4 were measured using HPLC-FL after sample preparation by solid phase extraction. The levels detected were compared to the allowed levels in the EU Commission Regulation No 835/2011. The results obtained from the investigation reveal that there is a well observable difference between the two fruits investigated (nectarine and apricot). This suggests strongly that the difference in chemical composition of the fruits is an important factor in absorbing pollutants.

References

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Published

2020-03-06

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2020 James McConville, Lányi Katalin

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