Sources of platinum group elements in animal-derived food and their impact on human health

Abstract

In the paper a review on platinum group elements in foods has been presented. Special attention has been paid to animal-derived products. Environment and subsequently food contamination with platinum, palladium and rhodium results from surface abrasion of catalytic converters commonly used in cars. Metals may accumulate on the roadsides in a form of nano-particles and form various complex compounds with organic substances. Such compounds are often characterized by a good water solubility which enables them to migrate into plants’ tissues. At the last stage of food chain, platinum group elements may enter the human organism and cause some negative interactions. It is also possible that platinum, palladium and rhodium may affect plants and animals. Thus, the emission of those metals may interfere with the equilibrium between economical growth, natural environment and human health which is a necessary condition of a so called “sustainable development”.