A method for adsorption involving banana peel (BP) was studied to remove the pollutant acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in aqueous medium. The results show that bioadsorbent has satisfactory maximum adsorption capacity (2.29 mg/g) for removing this analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug in aqueous solution (pH 7.0) using the Langmuir mathematical model. The tested concentrations of this pollutant were higher than the levels commonly found in the aquatic environment. This and other results suggest the BP as an alternative to ASA removal in water contaminated with pharmaceuticals pollutants.

Black pepper is one of the most consumed spices worldwide and the evaluation of trace elements content is essential to promote consumer safety. In this study, concentrations of the elements As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn was determined in samples of black peppercorn (n = 25) and ground black pepper (n = 25) to verify how processing affects element concentrations. The elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. A principal component analysis showed that Fe, Pb and V was influenced by the processing and ground black pepper samples showed higher levels for these elements than black peppercorn. Although specific legislation for spices is not available in Brazil, results indicated that Pb concentrations in two brands of the processed samples under investigation exceeded the maximum level established by Brazilian and European legislation for vegetables and fruits. These results point to the necessity to control the processing of the black pepper, especially the grinding step.