Determination Of The Concentration Of Aluminum In Canned Beverages Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Project and Seminar Material for Science Laboratory Technolofgy SLT

Abstract

Concentration of aluminum in ten samples of different brand of canned drinks and beverage sold in the Nigerian markets was determined using atomic absorption spectrometer. This was with the aim of establishing the extent to which the containers leach into their contents and also the degree of health hazard such containers could cause. From the results obtained. For canned alcoholic drinks, the aluminum concentration were below detection limits. For canned soft drinks and Non-alcoholic drinks, they were below detection limits for aluminum. In all the analyzed samples, the products were below the maximum limits established by WHO/FAO and EU. Which says according to EC 1881/2006 maximum limit for aluminum in canned beverages should be 100mg/kg melding fruit and vegetable juices and 50mg/kg for baby food. Keywords: concentration of aluminum in canned products, leaching, sources, toxicity.

Table Of Content

Preliminary Page(s)

Title page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of content

Chapter One

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of study
1.2 Objective of the study
1.3 Scope of the study
1.4 Statement of problem

Chapter Two

2.1 Literature Review

2.2 Beverage can
2.3 Filling cans
2.4 Atomic absorption spectroscopy
2.5 Principles

Chapter Three

3.0 Materials and Method

3.1 Materials and reagents
3.2 Sample collection
3.3 Preparation of stock
3.4 Sample preparation for canned drink and Beverages for aluminum
3.5 Sample analysis

Chapter Four

4.0 Results and Discussion

4.1 Concentration of aluminum and PH of Alcoholic drinks
4.2 Concentration of aluminum and PH of soft Drinks (Non alcoholic drinks)

Chapter Five

5.0 Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendation
References

Chapter One

1.0 Introduction

Heavy metals occur in all foods as natural or inherent component of plant and animal tissues and also may be present as a result of contamination or deliberate addition (Underwood, E.J. 1973). The ingestion of accumulated trace metals from canned drinks by man poses health hazard such as skin irritation, damage to the liver, kidney, circulatory and nerve tissues, resulting from acute or chronic exposure (Adekunle et al. 2003).

The neurological aspects of poisoning from many metals indicate the nervous system as target organ with respect to metal toxicity. Other target organs are gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, blood, and kidney, bone, nails, hair, endocrine (ASTDR, 1993). When the concentrations of the metals are beyond the tolerable limit, they become toxic.

1.1 Background Of Study

Aluminum is a metal which belongs to the boron group and is known for its strength and light weight. The metal is nonmagnetic and resists oxidation (rusting).

Aluminum cans are coated internally to protect from oxidizing. Despite this coating, trace amounts of aluminum can be degraded into the liquid, the amount depending on factors such as storage, temperature, and liquid composition. Therefore, the bioavailability of potentially toxic aluminum in food depends on the quantity of food ingested and PH, oxidation state, extent of complexation or absorption and solubility.

1.2 Objective Of The Study

One of the primary goals of who and its member states is that “all people” whatever for the determination of aluminum in canned drinks and beverages at concentration of 5-100mg\liter.

The main objective of the study is to determine the concentration of aluminum in canned drinks and beverages and carrying out a study to reduce such content that could be harmful for human consumption.

1.3 Scope Of The Study

The scope of the study covers the determination of aluminum concentration in canned drinks and beverages using atomic absorption spectrometer.

1.4 Statement Of Problem

There is fear of the possible leaching of the aluminum used in coating of the beverage can, as it poses health hazard such as skin irritation, damage to the liver, kidney, circulatory and nerve tissues on ingestion into the body.

Chapter Five

5.0 Conclusion And Recommendation

5.1 Conclusion

The obtained method validation demonstrated that the studied method corresponds for the aluminum concentration determination in different canned drinks using AAS, the method being efficiently and properly implemented. It was observed that the products were below the maximum limits established by WHO /FAO, JECFA, and EU. However, amount of metal ingested will depend on the quantity and frequency of consumption.

5.2 Recommendations

The WHO, EU, FAO and JECFA committees recommends that efforts should be made to keep aluminum levels in canned drinks and beverages as low as practicable. In this regard, aluminum concentration in canned foods and drinks have to be restricted to those coherent with the application of good manufacturing practices.

However, the amount of metal ingested will depend on the quantity and frequency of the canned beverages and drinks consumption further studies should be carried out to find out if the duration of storage i.e storing the products for a period of two to three years in a particular room and also to check if the additives which are usually added to canned products for preservation could be a contributing factor to the leaching of the metal into the product.

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