Estimation of toxic metal contamination levels in beverages samples collected from Lahore city in Pakistan.

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the risk associated to human health by heavy metals through the intake of beverages (fruit juices, soft and energy drinks) excessively used in city Lahore, Pakistan. The concentration in ppm of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Co, Cd, Zn and Ni) in 17 popular beverages has been investigated by using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAnalyst 400-PerkinElmer). A range of standard solutions were prepared according to the standard methods governed by American Public Health Association. It has been observed that concentration of some heavy metals (i.e Pb, Cr, Co, Zn and Ni) in all collected samples (i.e 17) were found close to the Standard permissible limits provided by World Health Organization, United Sates Environmental Protection Agency, and Pakistan Standards Quality Control Authority. However, all samples were free from any detectable concentration levels of Cd.