Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons throughout the processing stages of erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis).
The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is believed to be due to the degradation of mate compounds and the burning of wood during the "sapeco" (rapid drying process) and the final drying steps, which are the most important processing stages in mate production. Due to the high toxicity of these compounds, studies on their presence in mate are extremely important. The aim of this study was to evaluate PAH levels in mate throughout the processing stages of its production. The PAHs were measured in samples collected at different stages of mate processing. Total PAHs content ranged widely (443-9001 microg/kg) in the samples, with the highest PAHs levels recorded during the mate drying step. The results indicate that the processing method currently used in mate production may lead to an increase in PAHs levels in the final product.
Vieira
Manoela Alano
MA
Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88034-001 Florianopolis, SC, Brazil.
Maraschin
Marcelo
M
Rovaris
Angela Angeloni
AA
Amboni
Renata Dias de Mello Castanho
RD
Pagliosa
Cristiane Manfé
CM
Xavier
José Júnior Mendonca
JJ
Amante
Edna Regina
ER
D001938:Brazil; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid / Q000379:methods; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D005506:Food Contamination; D030019:Ilex paraguariensis / Q000737:chemistry*; D010239:Paraguay; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D011786:Quality Control; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012995:Solubility; D014934:Wood / Q000032:analysis
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons