Evaluation of metal contents of selected red wines consumed in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Some metals (aluminium, lead, zinc and cadmium) contents and their potential health risks in 36 different brands of red wines locally produced and imported to South-East Nigeria are reported. The metals were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry after digestion with HNO3 and HClO4 mixture. The results revealed their mean concentration ranges as: Al (0.14 ± 0.01–16.02 ± 0.04 mg/L); Cd (not detected (ND) to 0.012 ± 0.02 mg/L); Pb (nd to 0.65 ± 0.01 mg/L) and Zn (0.08 ± 0.10–12.10 ± 0.12 mg/L). The concentration values obtained for the metals in some of the wines studied were higher than the maximum allowable limits established by Office International de la Vigne et du Vin. The brands of wines (made in Nigeria and imported ones) popularly consumed in the region are contaminated by these metals especially Zn and Cd. This is a source of concern due to possible health risks associated with their ingestion.