![]() Before each experiment, the instrument was tuned using iCAP Q/RQ TUNE aqueous multi-element standard solution in 2% HNO 3 + 0.5% HCl solution (Thermo scientific, Bremen, Germany). All samples were stored at − 18☌ until analysis.Įlemental analysis was performed using inductively coupled mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) iCAP Q / iCAP RQ ICP-MS (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Bremen, Germany) operating with argon gas of spectral purity (99.9995%). 0.75 g of tea was prepared in 100 mL as infusion by soaking the herbs in hot water or boiling the herbs with water. Pasta and pizza were prepared following the instructions of a traditional cookbook using tomato thyme sauces and dried thyme as a seasoning herb. All items were tested as collected and were not subject to any cooking or preparation except pasta, pizza and tea (infusion and soaked). The complete set of samples was collected twice at six months’ intervals to take into account the effect of seasonal variation or difference in production dates on contamination levels. The samples were combined and blended to give a homogeneous composite sample which is representative of each food item. This consisted of purchasing the same food item from five different brands/varieties found in representative retail markets in Lebanon. Thyme-based food products were selected (18 items), and a composite sampling approach was applied. Collection of foodstuff and sample preparation The aim of this study was to assess the accumulation of As, Cd, Hg and Pb in thyme.Ģ.2. However, no studies have been made to evaluate the occurrence of heavy metals in thyme and thyme products. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate heavy metal contamination in herbs and spices as well as in other food products, ,,. ![]() Therefore, dietary exposure is an important step to assess the risk of heavy metals from thyme and its quantification of the likely intake is practiced through the dietary exposure assessment by combining food consumption data with the concentration of heavy metals. Ingestion of contaminated food and beverages is considered one of the major routes of exposure to these toxic metals. Heavy metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) exhibit serious health concerns since they are non-biodegradable, have long biological half-lives, accumulate in the body and cause adverse effects. Like many agricultural crops, the contamination of thyme by heavy metals originates mainly from polluted irrigation and contaminated soil. ![]() The main essential oils in thyme, Thymol and Carvacrol, have numerous health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, neurological and gastrointestinal effects. The consumption of thyme in the Levant is a popular practice and an essential constituent in various dish recipes such as salads, thyme pizza known as Manooushe, thyme croissant, and others. Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as garden thyme, is an edible herb from the family of Lamiaceae grown in the Mediterranean region.
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