Elemental analysis of Brazilian coffee with ion beam techniques: From ground coffee to the final beverage

Addressing forensic science challenges with nuclear analytical techniques - A review

We review the application of Nuclear Analytical Techniques (NATs) to forensic problems for the first time. NATs include neutron activation analysis (NAA), carried out in nuclear reactors for elemental analysis; accelerator-based techniques, mainly Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) for elemental and molecular analysis; and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) for dating of traces of forensic interest by "radiocarbon dating" and other related methods. Applications include analysis of drugs of abuse, food fraud, counterfeit medicine, gunshot residue, glass fragments, forgery of art objects and documents, and human material. In some applications only the NATs are able to provide relevant information for forensic purposes. This review not only includes a wide collection of forensic applications, but also illustrates the wide availability worldwide of NATs, opening up opportunities for an increased use of NATs in routine forensic casework.

Content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in coffee and coffee-based products: a meta-analysis study, Systematic review, and health risk assessment

Coffee is the most popular beverage after water in the world, which has an important role in health as a result of various minerals and vitamins but it may be pollution source of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) that can threate the health. Thus, the current study intended to detect the level of PTEs such as Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Znc (Zn) and Iron (Fe), in various coffee and coffee-based products (powder, ground, processed, infusion and bean). Considering the databases of Scopus, Google scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science, the concentration of PTEs in coffee and coffee-based products was retrieved and meta-analyzed. Additionally, the non-carcinogenic risks in terms of total hazard quotient (TTHQ) were assessed using Monte Carlo simulated (MCS) model. According to the findings of 23 articles, the ranking of metal concentration in different coffees was Fe > Zn > Cu> Ni > Pb > Cd in powder, Fe > Cu > Zn> Ni in ground, Fe > Zn > Ni> Cu> Pb > Cd in processed and infusion and Fe > Zn > Ni> Cs > Pb in bean. Moreover, based on WHO regions, the highest concentrations of Cd and Pb (0.742 mg/kg) were related to the South-East Asia Region (SEARO) and European region (EURO) respectively. However, the highest concentrations of Fe (81.161 mg/kg), Zn (33.392 mg/kg), Cu (9.408 mg/kg), and Ni (18.064 mg/kg) were related to Pan American health organization (PAHO), PAHO, PAHO and Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO), respectively. On the other hand, the risk pattern was different in different countries. Moreover, consumers in some countries were not at significant non-carcinogenic risks because of ingestion of PTEs via coffee and consumption of coffee-based products.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in coffee: a comprehensive review of toxicity, prevalence, and analytical techniques

Coffee is one of the most popular non-alcoholic beverages, consumed as a raw material in different food sectors. The popularity of coffee is induced by its pleasant flavor, taste, and highly nutritious nature. However, the absorption of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) through preharvest, harvesting, and post-harvest stages makes it a potentially rich source. Essential elements are potentially toxic at a higher concentration than required for the human body to work. PTEs intake through food systems may lead to health risks, including mutagenicity, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, and embryotoxic effects. Different analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, electromigration, and electrochemical. are used for PTEs content determination of coffee. Considering the importance of PTEs in human health and the worldwide popularity of coffee, their monitoring of coffee is crucial. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the classification, prevalence, and determination techniques of PTEs in different coffee types.

Specialty and high-quality coffee: discrimination through elemental characterization via ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and ICP-MS/MS of origin, species, and variety

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to establish the elemental profiling and origin combined with the genetic asset of coffee samples collected from major coffee-producing countries. A total of 76 samples were analysed for 41 elements using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and inductively coupled plasma-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). The mineral composition of the silver skin detachment during the roasting process was also evaluated to verify the loss of minerals during roasting, differences in composition with beans, and between species.

RESULTS

Application of linear discriminant analysis provided models with an accuracy of 93.3% for continents, 97.8% for countries of cultivation, and 100% for species. Discrimination between Arabica, Canephora coffee, and Eugenoides, and different varieties of Arabica species were identified in both models with calcium (Ca), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), rubidium (Rb), and strontium (Sr) as significant discriminant elements. Rb, Sr, sulphur (S), and thulium (Tm) were significant discriminant elements in both models for geographical distinction at different scales. Most of the elements had significantly higher values in silver skin than those in roasted coffee at different magnitudes, with exceptions of P and Rb.

CONCLUSION

In summary, determination of mineral elements, processed by multivariate statistical analysis, was demonstrated to be discriminant for different coffee species. Linear discriminant analysis of the elemental analysis of samples from the seven major producing countries provided a reliable prediction model. Elemental analysis of major and minor elements is relatively easy and can be used together with other traceability systems and sensory evaluations to authenticate the origin of roasted coffee, different species, and varieties. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Analysis of Volatile Compounds, Composition, and Thermal Behavior of Coffee Beans According to Variety and Roasting Intensity

This study aimed to investigate the ways in which the thermal behavior, composition, and volatile compound contents of roasted coffee beans depend on variety and roasting intensity. The thermal analysis revealed various transformations in coffee composition, namely, drying, water loss, and decomposition of polysaccharides, lipids, amino acids, and proteins. The results showed that volatile compounds are released differently in coffee depending on coffee type and degree of roasting. The most abundant volatile compounds present in the samples were 2-butanone, furan, 2-methylfuran, methyl formate, 2.3-pentanedione, methylpyrazine, acetic acid, furfural, 5-methyl furfural, and 2-furanmethanol. The total polyphenol contents ranged between 13.3 and 18.9 g gallic acid/kg, being slightly higher in Robusta than in Arabica varieties and in more intensely roasted beans compared to medium-roasted beans. The Robusta variety has higher mineral contents than Arabica, and the contents of most minerals (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, P, N, and S) increased with roasting intensity. Discrimination between coffee varieties and roasting intensities is possible based on mineral and polyphenol contents.

In vivo and in silico approaches to assess surface water genotoxicity from Tocantins River, in the cities of Porto Nacional and Palmas, Brazil

The main environmental problem in urban areas, especially in Brazil, is the discharge of untreated sewage. The in vivo Drosophila melanogaster Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) was used to assess the genotoxicity of surface waters from three different sites in the Tocantins River, Brazil. The in silico approach was used to search for known and predicted interactions between environmental chemicals found in our samples and Drosophila and human proteins. The genotoxicity tests were performed in standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses with samples collected at two periods, the rainy and dry seasons. Mutant spot frequencies found in treatments with unprocessed water from the test sites were compared with the frequencies observed in negative controls. The collection points were represented as sites A, B and C along Tocantins River. Sites A and B are located in Porto Nacional City, whereas site C is located in Palmas City. Considering the rainy season collection, positive responses in the ST cross were observed for sites A and C (89.47% and 85% of recombination, respectively) and in the HB cross for sites A, B and C (88.24%, 84.21% and 82.35% of recombination, respectively). The positive results in the dry season were restricted to sites A and B (88.89% and 85.71% of recombination, respectively) in the HB cross. In accordance with in vivo and in silico results, we hypothesize that ribosomal proteins (RPs) in fruit fly and humans are depleted in cells exposed to heavy metal causing DNA damage and chromosome instability, increasing homologous recombination.

Coffee Infusions: Can They Be a Source of Microelements with Antioxidant Properties?

Coffee is a beverage that is very popular all over the world. Its pro-health effect has been demonstrated in many publications. This drink can counteract the effects of oxidative stress thanks to its antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to collect data on the content of microelements with antioxidant activity (manganese, zinc, copper, iron) in coffee infusions, taking into account various factors. The study considered publications from the years 2000–2020 found in Google Scholar and PubMed databases. It was noted that coffee can provide up to 13.7% of manganese requirements per serving, up to 4.0% and 3.1% of zinc requirements for women and men, up to 2.7% and 2.1% of copper requirements for women and men, and up to 0.4% and 0.6% of iron requirements for women and men. Coffee infusions can also be a source of fluoride (up to 2.5%), chromium (up to 0.4% of daily intake for women and 0.2% for men), and cobalt (up to 0.1%). There are no data in the literature regarding the content of selenium in coffee infusions. The origin of coffee beans and the type of water used (especially regarding fluoride) may have an impact on the content of minerals in infusions. The brewing method does not seem to play an important role. As it is a very popular beverage, coffee can additionally enrich the diet with such micronutrients as manganese, zinc, and copper. This seems beneficial due to their antioxidant properties, however the bioavailability of these elements of coffee should be taken into account. It seems necessary to carry out more research in this area.

Elemental characterization of sparkling wine and cork stoppers

The variations of the elemental concentrations in sparkling white wine and respective cork stoppers throughout 18 months of storage time were determined with the PIXE (Particle-Induced X-ray Emission) technique. Three portions of the cork stoppers were analyzed: the top part (external layer), the inner part (bulk layer) and the bottom layer (which was in contact with the sparkling wine). Elements such as Na, Mg, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn and Rb were determined for both cork stoppers and sparkling wine samples. Similar concentrations of Si, P, S, Cl and Ca were found in the external and bottom layers of the corks. Distinct behaviors of the changes in the elemental concentrations as a function of the time were observed for cork stoppers and sparkling wines. The concentrations of Mg, S, K, Ca, Cu, Sr and Ba increased in the bottom layer of the cork as a function of storage time. On the other hand, concentrations of Al, Si, Cl, Ti, Zn and Br proved to be invariant, while the concentrations of P and Fe showed a slight decrease. Concerning the sparkling wine, an increasing trend of elemental concentrations was observed for most elements throughout the storage time. A diffusion mechanism of elements in the cork and the role of the secondary fermentation in the bottle are discussed.

Coffee Brews: Are They a Source of Macroelements in Human Nutrition?

Coffee brews, made by pouring water on coffee grounds or brewing in an espresso machine, are among the most popular beverages. The aim of this study was to summarize data on the content of macroelements (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) in coffee brews prepared with different methods, as well as to review the factors influencing the content of the elements. Studies from 2000 to 2020, published in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, were reviewed. Taking into account the results presented by the authors, we calculated that one portion of coffee brew can cover 7.5% or 6.4% (for women and men) and 6.6% of the daily requirement for magnesium and potassium, respectively. Coffee provides slightly lower amounts of phosphorus (up to 2.2%), sodium (up to 2.2%), and calcium (up to 0.7% of the daily requirement for women and 0.6% for men). If coffee is drunk in the quantity of three to four cups, it can be an important source of magnesium, considering the risk of magnesium deficiency in modern societies.

Cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-CYT) assay biomarkers and telomere length analysis in relation to inorganic elements in individuals exposed to welding fumes

During the welding activities many compounds are released, several of these cause oxidative stress and inflammation and some are considered carcinogenic, in fact the International Agency for Research on Cancer established that welding fumes are carcinogenic to humans. The aim of the present study was to analyze the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of exposure to welding fumes and to determine concentrations of metals in blood and urine of occupationally exposed workers. We included 98 welders and 100 non-exposed individuals. Our results show significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB), nuclear buds (NBUD) and necrotic cells (NECR) in cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-Cyt) assay, as well as in the telomere length (TL) of the exposed individuals with respect to the non-exposed group. In the analysis of the concentrations of inorganic elements using PIXE method, were found higher concentrations of Cr, Fe and Cu in the urine, and Cr, Fe, Mg, Al, S, and Mn in the blood in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group. A significant correlation was observed between MN and age and between NPB and years of exposure. Additionally, we found a significant correlation for TL in relation to MN, NPB, age and years of exposure in the exposed group. Interestingly, a significant correlation between MN and the increase in the concentration of Mg, S, Fe and Cu in blood samples of the exposed group, and between MN and Cr, Fe, Ni and Cu in urine. Thus, our findings may be associated with oxidative and inflammatory damage processes generated by the components contained in welding fumes, suggesting a high occupational risk in welding workers.

On the soil-bean-cup relationships in Coffea arabica L

BACKGROUND

The relationships between soil and coffee beans variables were evaluated and then the influence of bean composition on cup quality attributes was computed by means of relation studies. A total of 139 coffee and soil samples were collected directly from the same number of coffee plantations in Chiapas, Mexico.

RESULTS

In the elemental composition, only phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and copper in coffee beans had a significant (P < 0.05) relationship with the content of the same elements in soil. The level of macro- and microelements in the coffee bean affected some of the cup quality attributes, but variables such as texture, titratable acidity, and pH of water in soil had a major influence on those attributes. Caffeine, trigonelline, and 5-caffeoylquinic acid in green coffee beans also had a significant influence (P < 0.05) on the sensory attributes of the beverage.

CONCLUSION

The elemental composition of soil and coffee beans was important in explaining the cup quality attributes, but the most important variables influencing the sensory quality of coffee were altitude of plantations and moisture of coffee beans. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Roadmapping as a Driver for Knowledge Creation: A Proposal for Improving Sustainable Practices in the Coffee Supply Chain from Chiapas, Mexico, Using Emerging Technologies

Technologies are essential for productive sectors to increase competitiveness and improve sustainable development. However, the technology benefits present a great delay in adoption in agricultural sectors, due to discrepancies between scientific research and local needs. This article presents a study for improving sustainability practices in the coffee supply chain, using emerging technologies, of two localities in the Frailesca region from Chiapas, Mexico, based on the current situation, expectations and actions expressed by 165 coffee producers and 12 representatives of two coffee producers’ organizations. Based on Mentzer theoretical support, the technology roadmaps, knowledge management and digital compass were used to draw coffee supply chain processes to identify concrete actions and explore technologies. The results show that the technological route must be focused on renewing and improving coffee quality, getting quality certifications and access to specialized markets. Digital quality management and advanced statistical process control seem to be the appropriate emerging technologies for enhancing the acquisition of resistant varieties, proper pest management, improvement in the collection of coffee beans, the right time and way to plant a coffee plant, soil analysis and for the management of weeds and water conservation and harvesting as sustainable practices in this region. In addition, statistical correlation showed that digital technologies can be better adopted, on average, by producers with 4–6 family members, aged between 40–44 years and without additional crops. The findings propose sustainable practices linked with emerging technologies, based on a technology roadmap and knowledge management methodologies for this region.

Evaluation of the influence of cultivation on the total magnesium concentration and infusion extractability in commercial arabica coffee

Coffee is considered an important source of organic nutrients and minerals, and these resources are strongly affected by agricultural management. Among the minerals, the element Mg is important, which is essential for both plants and humans. In this work, the effects of agricultural management on the absorption and storage of Mg by commercial, ground, roasted Arabica coffee were investigated. For this purpose, some Mg and P fractions were evaluated. It was observed that Mg stored in the grain was concentrated in the inorganic fraction, with an average extraction of 102% and in conventional samples and 119% in organic samples. These results suggest that in these samples Mg is probably largely presented as different inorganic salts. Phytate and organic acid salts are two possibilities discussed in this work that could explain this hypothesis. This can be corroborated by the extraction of Mg in the infusion of hot water.

Mineral Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Coffee Beverages Depending on the Brewing Method

Coffee, being one of the world’s most popular beverages, is a rich source of dietary antioxidants. The aim of this study was to determine the mineral content and antioxidant activity as well as acidity of coffee beverages depending on the brewing technique. We tested coffee brews made and served at a popular urban coffee shop (Szczecin, Poland). Five coffee brewing techniques were used: Aeropress, drip, espresso machine, French press, and simple infusion. Our findings showed that the brewing method had a significant effect on all parameters tested in the study. The antioxidant activity of the beverages was high (31%–42% inhibition of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl); reduction potential from 3435.06 mol Fe3⁺/mL to 4298.19 mol Fe3⁺/mL). Polyphenolic content ranged from 133.90 g (French press) to 191.29 g of gallic acid/L (Aeropress brew), depending on the coffee extraction method. Mineral content was also found to differ between brewing methods. Coffees prepared by simple infusion and Aeropress provided a valuable source of magnesium, manganese, chromium, cobalt, and potassium, whereas the drip brew was found to be a good source of silicon.

Physico-elemental analysis of roasted organic coffee beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico using X-ray micro-computed tomography and external beam particle induced X-ray emission

The physico-elemental profiles of commercially attained and roasted organic coffee beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico were compared using light microscopy, X-ray micro-computed tomography, and external beam particle induced X-ray emission. External beam PIXE analysis detected P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, and Sr in samples. Linear discriminant analysis showed that there was no strong association between elemental data and production region, whilst a heatmap combined with hierarchical clustering showed that soil-plant physico-chemical properties may influence regional elemental signatures. Physical trait data showed that Mexican coffee beans weighed significantly more than beans from other regions, whilst Honduras beans had the highest width. X-ray micro-computed tomography qualitative data showed heterogeneous microstructural features within and between beans representing different regions. In conclusion, such multi-dimensional analysis may present a promising tool in assessing the nutritional content and qualitative characteristics of food products such as coffee.