Determination of aluminium concentrations in black, green, and white tea samples: effects of different infusion times and teapot species on aluminium release

Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water and contains heavy metals and trace elements that may cause potential negative effects on health. Aluminium (Al) concentrations in black, green, and white tea with different infusion times and teapot materials were evaluated in this study. Commercially available tea samples were brewed in 5 different teapots, consisting of aluminium, copper, glass, steel, and porcelain materials for 5, 10, and 15 min. Al concentrations in tea samples were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. Al concentrations in tea samples were in the range of 38.46 ± 5.08–844.75 ± 10.86 µg/L. Both teapot type (p < 0.001) and infusion time (p < 0.001) significantly influenced Al concentrations in tea samples. The interaction between tea type, teapot material, and infusion time was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The hazard ratio was less than 1 for black and white tea infusions except for one sample whereas it was greater than 1 for green tea. These data suggest that green tea consumption might be a potential risk factor for Al exposure.