Determination of trace elements analyzed by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES) in Matricaria chamomilla L. teas present on macedonian market

This study was conducted to determine trace metals presence and their content in Matricaria chammomilla L. teas. Samples were collected from macedonian market originating from Macedonia, Serbia and Croatia. The twenty trace elements: Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, K, Li, Mg,Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V and Zn were determined in several types of tea products. The samples were prepared by microwave digestion system using HNO3and H2O2. The atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES) was used for determination of contents of elements. The obtained results showed that K, Ca and Mg were the most abundantelements (19529 mg/kg, 7690 mg/kg and 3292 mg/kg, respectively), the content of Mo was bellow the detection limit, and the elements: Al, Cr and Ba weredetected at the widest ranges. As, Cd and Pb were detected at allowed quantities. The analysis of data from this study should provide guidance for quality control of teas. Keywords:Atomic spectrometry; ICP-AES; Matricaria chamomilla L.; tea; trace element