Priority PAHs in Some Coffee Brands

Abstract

Sixteen Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons described as priority pollutants by United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) are of special concern due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Owing to these properties their determination in most drinkable beverage deserves further investigation. In this respect, four coffee samples viz., Nescafe Classic, Nescafe Premium, Bru & Suncafe and Coffee Beans (roasted) were studied. Soxhlet extraction was used for the extraction of PAHs. Three to thirteen PAHs from list of 16 PAHs (USEPA) were found to be present. Concentrations of total PAHs in different brands of coffee samples varied from 831.7-1589.7 μg/kg. Benzo[a]pyrene (2A: probable human carcinogen) was found in Nescafe Premium while naphthalene (2B: possible human carcinogen) was found in all coffee samples except in roasted coffee beans with their average amount ranging from 18.3 μg/kg and 36.1-194.4 μg/kg, respectively.