This study aimed to determine the fatty acid profile and content of chlorinated hydrocarbons (PCBs, γ-HCH, DDT and its metabolites) as well as to estimate their mean daily intake with 30 grams of nuts. It demonstrated that palmitic acid (C:16) was the saturated fatty acid occurring in the largest amount in all types of nuts studied. Its concentration in nuts was species-dependent and in the present study its highest mean concentration was determined in Brazil nuts (15.30%), whereas the lowest one was in walnuts (6.87%). Oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) were predominating unsaturated fatty acids, and their concentrations were depended on nut species. The n-6/n-3 ratios was calculated. The best proportion of these acids was found in walnuts and the least favorable one in peanuts. The maximum permissible level (10 mg 1000 g-1) was exceeded in the case of one of the chlorinated hydrocarbons, i.e. γ-HCH – in hazel nuts (1.894 mg 100 g-1) and in Brazil nuts (1.058 mg 100 g-1). The maximum permissible level of Σ DDT in nuts was not exceeded. The highest content of DDT and its metabolites was determined in Brazil nuts and hazelnuts, with the mean amounts corresponding to 36 and 27% of the permissible level, respectively. The nuts tested were found to contain five PCB congeners (28, 101, 118, 138, 153), with the highest content determined for: 153, 28, and 138 congeners. The most toxic one appeared to be the 118 congener, and the highest value of its toxicity equivalents (TEQ) was found in almonds, although it still did not pose a risk to the consumer’s health.  

25.2.2020