Assessment of Heavy and Essential Mineral Elements in Commercial Chocolate Products from Al-Bayda, Libya

الملخص

Heavy metals are chemical elements with high density and atomic weight. Despite their widespread use in various industries and applications, they pose significant risks to the environment and public health if not handled properly. This study was conducted to estimate the concentration of sodium (Na), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in five commercial chocolate products (Said, Maestro, Mars, Snickers, and Nutella) collected from retail outlets in Al-Bayda, Libya. Samples were analyzed using flame photometry for alkali metals and atomic absorption spectrophotometry for heavy metals following acid digestion with HNO3 and HCl. Results revealed significant variations in elemental concentrations among different chocolate brands. Sodium concentrations ranged from Sodium concentrations ranged from 892.5 ± 12.3 to 1654.8 ± 8.9 ppm, with Nutella showing the highest levels. Potassium concentrations varied from 2156.3 ± 15.7 to 3892.1 ± 22.4 ppm, with Mars chocolate containing the highest amounts. Iron levels ranged from 1.245 ± 0.089 to 2.876 ± 0.156 ppm, while zinc concentrations varied from 2.34 ± 0.12 to 8.92 ± 0.34 ppm. Lead concentrations were below detection limits in all samples except Maestro (0.045 ± 0.012 ppm), which remained within acceptable limits. All samples exceeded WHO recommended limits for sodium and potassium, while heavy metal concentrations were generally within safe ranges. These findings highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of chocolate products for consumer safety and the need for regulatory compliance in the Libyan market. The study could be expanded to include other types of chocolate, more heavy metals, such as mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, could be analyzed to more accurately assess health risks.