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Research review trends of food analysis in Latvia: major and trace element content

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Abstract

The current paper involves overview of several studies concerning quantitative major and trace element analysis of different food samples, such as products of plant origin, e.g., locally grown vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes) and products of animal origin derived with or without processing (cottage cheese, eggs, honey). Food samples were collected over the territory of Latvia in the time period 2009–2012. Sample pre-treatment was chosen according to the product specifics but mostly wet mineralization with concentrated nitric acid was applied. Analysis of major elements (e.g., Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na) and trace elements (e.g., As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) was performed by appropriate quantitative analytical technique: atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Not only the influence of environmental factors (e.g., geographical or seasonal impact) was detected in element dissemination in food, also botanical origin (if applicable) and applied agricultural praxis, product processing and storage specifics were found to be important. Possible food contamination by potentially toxic elements can be associated mostly with the consequences of anthropogenic activities. The studies revealed the significance of food research in the context of environmental science.

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Acknowledgments

This work has been supported by the European Social Fund within the project “Support for Doctoral Studies at University of Latvia”. Technical assistance by Juris Burlakovs was highly appreciated within the formation of the current paper.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Correspondence to Zane Vincevica-Gaile.

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Vincevica-Gaile, Z., Klavins, M., Rudovica, V. et al. Research review trends of food analysis in Latvia: major and trace element content. Environ Geochem Health 35, 693–703 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-013-9549-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-013-9549-4

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