DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METALS IN DEHYDRATED JUICE

ABSTRACT The increasing consumption of dehydrated fruit juices necessitates the evaluation of their safety, particularly concerning heavy metal contamination. This study investigates the presence and concentration levels of selected heavy metals namely copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb) in commercially available dehydrated juice samples. Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), six different juice samples were analyzed to determine the metal content, with results expressed in parts per million (ppm). The findings revealed varying concentrations of the metals across the samples, with some showing detectable levels of Cu, Fe, and Pb, while Cr was not detected in any of the samples. Notably, the concentrations of these metals were compared against established safety limits by international health bodies such as WHO and FAO. The results suggest that although most metal levels were within permissible limits, continuous monitoring is essential to prevent potential health risks associated with long-term exposure. This study underscores the importance of routine quality control in processed fruit products to ensure public health safety