Determination of biogenic amine and heavy metal contents in Sicilian wine samples

The purpose of this study was to determine the biogenic amine and heavy metal contents in
Controlled Denomination of Origin (DOC) and Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) Passito,
white and red wines from Sicily. The samples analyzed included wines derived from biological
and traditional agriculture in the province of Messina. Potentiometric stripping analysis (PSA)
was used to determine simultaneously the content of Cd (II), Cu (II), Pb (II) and Zn (II), whereas
biogenic amines were determined as dansyl derivatives by reverse phase HPLC. The results provide
new insight into the composition of commercial Sicilian wines from the province of Messina.
The wines examined contained moderate quantities of biogenic amines, while the heavy metal
content was so low that they do not represent a toxicological risk for the health of the consumer.