Deep eutectic solvents in sample preparation method for determination of contaminants in ready-to-drink teas.

Abstract

In Brazil, can be observed an increased production and consumption of ready-to-drink teas, especially those based on toasted yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) or black tea (Camellia sinensis). It is known that these herbs may contain polycyclic aromatics hydrocarbons (PAH) coming from environmental contamination or processing steps, as well as phthalates, additives used in some plastic packages that can migrate to food and beverage, mostly when it is hot-packed. Considering this, this project aims to the develop a "green" sample preparation technic, looking for a sensitive and selective method for determination of PAHs and phthalates in ready-to-drink teas commercialized in Brazil. For this, it is proposed an extraction process employing deep eutectic solvent (DES) followed by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analysis. With the results, it is expected to know the presence and concentration of PAHs and phthalates as well as carry out the exposure assessment and risk characterization for these contaminants in ready-to-drink teas.