Evaluation of trace metals in tea samples from Jeddah and Jazan, Saudi Arabia by atomic absorption spectrometry.

The Cd, Pb, Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, Fe, Cr and Cu content were determined in various teas available in local markets of Jeddah and Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Concentrations of the trace metals were measured after acid digestion using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Validation of the digestion procedure was performed by the analysis of a certified reference material. The cadmium, lead, manganese, zinc, nickel, cobalt, iron, chromium and copper concentrations were found in the range of below the detection limit (BDL)--0.7 μg/g, BDL--8.7 μg/g, 48-859 μg/g, 6.6-120 μg/g, BDL--16.9 μg/g, BDL--3.1 μg/g, 46-348 μg/g, BDL--4.9 μg/g and 5.2-21.6 μg/g respectively. The values found in this study were compared with literature values.