Determination of heavy metal concentration in canned beer and its effect on human health in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

Evaluation of metal concentrations in selected canned beers consumed in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria was
conducted using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) after HNO3/H2O2 digestion process.
Considered metals in selected canned beers include: Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn to ascertain the quality
and standards as it affect beer consumers. The results of the laboratory analysis show that the
concentrations Cr, Fe, Ni, Cd and Pb in the selected canned beers were above the permissible levels
concentration stipulated for potable drinking water, while the metals Zn, Al and Cu were below the
permissible limits in the potable drinking water respectively. Ultimately, there is clearly a need to improve
quality control in the processing of this and other canned beers. From the risk assessment of canned beers
on human heath, it is ascertained that metal concentrations in the selected canned beers do not pose a risk
to consumer’s health since the estimated metal daily intake per kg bodyweight is below the provisional
tolerable intake of these metals as stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Based on this result,
quality monitoring and control by standard organization of Nigeria (SON) were suggested for beer
production.