VAISHALI T. PHUSATE
Abstract
Metallic pollution is one of the global problems through soil and water toxic metals accumulate in the tea plants. In the present study concentration of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb) in six popular black tea brands were estimated. Among the metal tested Ni concentration was high followed by Cd, Pb and Cu. Arsenic was not detected in black tea leaves. Concentrations of metals in prepared tea were lower than residues. Tea is widely consumed beverage all over the world. Presence of metals in tea samples indicates that tea drinking could be a source of metal accumulation in the body.