Aluminium and fluoride concentrations of three tea varieties growing at Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Environ Geochem Health. 2003 Jun;25(2):219-32. doi: 10.1023/a:1023233226620.

Abstract

The present project aims to investigate aluminium (Al) and fluoride (F) contents in teas (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze). Three different commercial tea varieties: Assam variety and two China sub-varieties, a large leafed variety and small leafed variety, were collected in two tea gardens of Lantau Island tea plantation of Hong Kong. In general, high concentrations of Al and F were accumulated in the mature leaves (15.3 and of 2.07 g kg-1 respectively). Among the three varieties, 'the small leafed' variety exhibited the highest Al and F contents followed by the 'large leafed' variety whereas the Assam variety had the lowest Al and F concentrations in its tea bushes. Tea products from a plantation were also analysed and it was noted that black tea had higher Al and F concentrations than green tea. The amount of Al and F released into tea liquor was also tested and the results showed that higher concentrations of Al and F were released into tea liquor under repeated infusion method than continuous infusion method.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture
  • Aluminum / analysis*
  • Aluminum / pharmacokinetics
  • Camellia / chemistry*
  • Fluorides / analysis*
  • Fluorides / pharmacokinetics
  • Hong Kong
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Tea / chemistry*

Substances

  • Tea
  • Aluminum
  • Fluorides