Traces of Heavy Metals in Libyan Olive Oil

Abstract

he determination of Fe, Mn. Cu. Zn. Ni, Cr and Pb in olive oil samples was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Analyses showed that a significant portion of trace metals is removed during refining process but the level of Cu and Fe remained relatively higher to increase oxidation. There is a correlation between peroxide values and contents of trace metals in different commercial olive oil samples.