Varietal variation and correlation of trace metal levels with ‚catechins’︁ and caffeine in Sri Lanka tea

Trace elements, phosphorus, ?catechins’? and caffeine levels in different varieties of Sri Lanka tea have been determined. The range and mean of zinc, copper, iron, lead and cadmium in 73 tea samples were as follows: zinc 22.5–62.5 and 35.0 μug g^?1, copper 10.0–25.0 and 17.8 μug g^?1, iron 40.0–185.0 and 128.1 μug g^?1, lead 0.188–0.561 and 0.426 μug g^?1, cadmium 0.156–0.380 and 0.239 μug g^?1. Significant differences in zinc, iron, lead and cadmium were observed among tea varieties grown at different elevations in Sri Lanka. These levels were also compared with results obtained with samples from other countries. The phosphorus content in ?black tea’? showed correlations with trace metal levels in the order lead>zinc>iron>copper>cadmium. Positive correlation with levels of ?catechins’? were more significant with zinc and cadmium. Caffeine levels were found to be significantly correlated with lead and zinc in ?black tea’?. Studies of translocation of trace metals from soil have involved analysis of various parts of the tea shoot and supporting soil.