Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the beans, peas and broad beans from domestic market, 1999-2002
Bałdyga, B.; Zbigniew, B.; Wieczorek, J.; Dymkowska-Malesa, M.; Smoczyńtski, S.S.
Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny 56(1): 83-90
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-7715 PMID: 16080448 Document Number: 589154
Seeds of beans, peas and broad beans, purchased from local seed production plants in the provinces of Mazowieckie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie in Poland during 1999-2002, were analysed for their contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The hydrocarbons were extracted from the seeds with a hexane-acetone mixture by means of sonification. The obtained extracts were then purified in a silica gel column. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were identified and determined quantitatively with liquid chromatography using a fluorescent detector. The presence (in different concentrations) of PAH was reported in the majority of the seeds, indicating that they may be ingested with food and bioaccumulated in man. A considerably higher content of PAH was observed in the seeds of broad beans, compared to those of beans and peas. The highest PAH determined reached 2x102 micro g/kg of product. Also, all the seeds examined revealed the presence of PAH with carcinogenic properties.