Presence of Arsenic in Commercial Beverages

Roberge Roberge

doi:10.3844/ajessp.2009.688.694

Abstract

Problem statement: This study’s goal was to assess the arsenic concentration of various beverages and broths purchased from a local chain supermarket. A source of chronic arsenic exposure occurs via food and beverage consumption. Groundwater levels of total arsenic are regulated (<10 μg L-1) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but few studies have examined arsenic concentrations in common beverages. Approach: In the initial analysis of 19 items, total arsenic concentration was assessed from a variety of fruit juices, sports drinks, sodas and broths. Items found to contain levels of total arsenic ≥5.0 μg L-1 were further evaluated. Additional analysis included purchasing multiple brands of items ≥5.0 μg L-1 and analyzing them for total arsenic and chemical species of arsenic. Results: Among the beverages in the initial analysis, apple juice (10.79 μg L-1) and grape juice (49.87 μg L-1) contained the highest levels of total arsenic. Upon examination of items with As concentrations above 5.0 μg L-1, varying concentrations of total arsenic were found in apple cider (range: 5.41-15.27 μg L-1), apple juice (range: 10.67-22.35 μg L-1), baby fruit juice (range: 13.91-16.51 μg L-1) and grape juice (range: 17.69-47.59 μg L-1). Conclusion: Many commercially available juices contained concentrations of arsenic that were higher than the standard for total arsenic allowed in groundwater as set forth by the EPA. The concentration of As in these juices varied between and within brands. In general, those consuming apple and grape juices are the young and elderly and it is these populations that may be more vulnerable to over exposure of heavy metals.

Highlights

Arsenic (As) is a widely distributed element found naturally in the earth’s soil[1]
Whole milk had an As concentration of (7.92 μg L−1), The bottled waters, colas, fruit punch, grapefruit juice, iced tea, lemonade, orange juices and sports drinks were all below 5.0 μg L−1
The data in this study are limited but we show that arsenic concentrations vary among and within brands and are well above 10.0 μg L−1 in some beverages and broths

Summary

Introduction

Arsenic is classified as a known human carcinogen[2] and has been placed on a list of top 20 hazardous materials[3]. Chronic arsenic exposure is known to be associated with various cancers, including lung, bladder and skin cancer[4,5,6]. The most common source of human exposure to arsenic occurs through natural contamination of drinking water[10]. Inorganic arsenic is consumed as either arsenite [As(III)] or as arsenate [As(V)]. These forms of arsenic may be present in ground water supplies depending on the geology of the region. The current standard for total arsenic in groundwater, as set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is 10 μg L−1, which was lowered from 50 μg L−1 due to the association of chronic arsenic exposure as a risk factor for various adverse health outcomes[11]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion