Assessment of Essential Elements and Heavy Metal Contents in Unrefined and Refined Rock Salts Consumed in Turkey

Abstract

While certain amounts of metals known as heavy metals are useful for organisms, excessive amounts can be detrimental. Some of the heavy metals elements found in sea water are Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, Hg, Co, Mn, Cr, S, Ni, V and Cd. Although these metals cause pollution, many of them are necessary for the life of creatures and contribute in the molecular and protein structures of the organisms. In cankiri City, particularly in Yenidogan, Ballibagi village Dogankoy and kayatuzu, samples were taken and examined. Results revealed that basic elements and heavy metals found in refined rock salt have been observed to be below the world average. Elements and heavy metals were not found at a rate that could be detrimental to human health.