Exposure to copper and risk assessment for human health via consumption of alcoholic beverages

Present study was performed using a Box–Behnken Design (BBD) combined with a response surface methodology (RSM). The ultimate goal of this research was to apply BBD for modeling of copper (Cu2+) ions from alcoholic beverages and evaluate health risk assessment of Cu2+ via consumption of alcoholic beverages. The importance of independent paramaters and their interactions were examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Natural clay was investigated to remove Cu2+ ions from some alcoholic beverage samples including beer and wine. X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis were used for adsorbent characterization. Same analyzes were applied for Cu2+ loaded clay. In addition, experimental studies showed that Freundlich isotherm was better than Langmuir isotherm. Finally, optimized method was applied to alcoholic beverages. Besides target hazard quotients (THQ), estimated daily intake (EDI) values were calculated, to assess a health risk resulting from these alcoholic beverages regular consumption. The EDI values of Cu (µg/day/person) through consumption of investigated drinks were less than the recommended dietary allowance values. Also, the THQ values of Cu2+ were less than 1. According to estimated target hazard, it can be said no long life health concerns of Cu2+ is associated with the consumption of studied drinks. Obtained results were compared with the data from literature and levels set by regulatory authorities, it can be clearly stated that the consumption of mentioned alcoholic beverages do not pose a toxicological risk.