DETERMINATION OF CONSTITUENTS AND ESTIMATION OF SUGAR AND TRACE ELEMNET IN SOFT DRINKS

Abstract

Soft drinks are used all over the world due to its affordability, characteristic taste, and thirst quenching potential. However, its demand may compromise on the quality and possible contamination of heavy metals during production which may risk to human health. This study was carried out on physical parameters (conductivity, TDS, and pH), qualitative evaluation of some constituents and quantitative analysis of sugar and presence of heavy metals (Fe and Ni) contaminants in three different samples of soft drink (7up, Pepsi, and Mirinda) available in Karachi local markets. The qualitative analysis revealed the presence of sugar (sucrose) and carbon dioxide in all samples of soft drinks and phosphate in one sample while alcohol was absent in all samples. The sugar level through specific gravity method was found to be 40.841g, 41.605g, and 48.791g/345mLin 7up, Pepsi, and Mirinda respectively, which are higher than mentioned on label of sample bottles (37.3, 37 and 46.2g/345mL respectively). By using spectrophotometric technique concentration level of Fe was found to be 1.5x10-6 M and 1.0x10-6 M in Marinda and 7up sample respectively that is low in comparison of RDA limit. Pepsi sample bottle was free from this metal. Nickel was determined gravimetrically and not found in all samples. Key words: soft drinks, pH, sugar level, iron concentration level