摘要：The content of Fe, Cu, and Zn present in black pepper, cumin and red pepper available at herb stores and
local markets in Van were determined using ICP-MS. The Fe content was 557.5 mg/kg, 467 mg/kg, 122.5
mg/kg, the Cu content was 19.4 mg/kg, 12.3 mg/kg, 11.9 mg/kg, and the Zn content was 17.6 mg/kg, 36.5
mg/kg, 11.9 mg/kg in black pepper, cumin, and red pepper, respectively. The highest Fe, Cu and Zn content
were found in black pepper and the lowest Fe, Cu and Zn content in red pepper. The results showed that
the Cu and Zn content determined in black pepper, cumin, and red pepper was below the WHO standards
and the Fe content determined in black pepper and cumin was found to exceed the WHO standards.
Therefore, continuous heavy metal analysis in terms of Fe, especially in black pepper and cumin, is essential
for human health.
