ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the influence of three different processing methods on contents and speciation of heavy metals Pb,Cd,Hg and Cu and a harmful nonmetallic element As in Cortex Eucommiae. Methods The five elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The determination wavelengthes of Pb and Cd was 283.3 and 228.8 nm using graphite furnace atom?ic absorption spectrometry;the determination wavelength of Cu was 324.8 nm using flame atomic absorption spectrometry;the determi?nation wavelengthes of As and Hg were 193.7 and 253.6 nm using flow injection-hydride generation method. Results Heavy metal′s contents in Cortex Eucommiae stir-fried with salt were increased. Contents of heavy metals in Cortex Eucommiae stir-fried and baked were decreased. Heavy metal morphology had no differences between processed products and raw materials. The experimental results showed that main existing form of Pb was in organic matter-bound,and mercury existed in exchange condition and organic matter-bound. Copper existed in organic matter-bound and carbonate bound and arsenic mainly existed with residual forms. Cadmium mainly exited in carbonate exchange condition. Conclusion There is a certain effect on the heavy metal content but less effect on the form of heavy metals by different processing methods.