Elemental analysis and health risk assessment of different hazelnut varieties (Corylus avellana L.) collected from Giresun- Turkey

Corylus avellana L. is one of the most widely grown and traded nuts in the world. There are many types and varieties, and their ingredients are a good source of nutrients in terms of minerals. However, depending on their region and soil structure, they may contain a variety of heavy metals and toxic elements. Mineral element composition and potentially toxic element contents of different C. avellana L. varieties (15 samples) collected from the city of Giresun, which is known as the hazelnut capital of Turkey, were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after microwave assisted acid digestion. The elemental composition of hazelnuts is in the following ranges mg kg- 1; manganese (Mn): 58.9-193, iron (Fe): 44.1-62.2, zinc (Zn): 27.0-53.8, selenium (Se): 0.01-0.12, chromium (Cr): < 0.0004-0.387, copper (Cu): 16.9-25.8, magnesium (Mg): 1132-1327, calcium (Ca): 1264-1899, potassium (K): 5459-6841, sodium (Na): 1.32-7.88, lead (Pb): < 0.001, cadmium (Cd): < 0.001, nickel (Ni): 0.82-2.52 and arsenic (As): 0.003-0.009. These findings were used to calculate recommended dietary allowance (RDA), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) values for hazelnuts. Considering the THQ values, it was determined that hazelnuts are safe for consumption by both genders. According to the carcinogenic risk calculation, all of the hazelnuts examined in this study were categorized as moderately risky in terms of Ni contents, and it was concluded that Ni may be the most important element exceeding the risk limit in hazelnuts in general.