Quantitative Estimation of Heavy Metals and Dissolved Sugars in Different Aerated and Non-Aerated Beverages and their Toxicological Effects

Consumption of different aerated and non-aerated beverages is an age-old practice which has increased exponentially in the last few years. These beverages contain various health compromising ingredients namely heavy metals and dissolved sugars that pose health risk to its consumers. This study was conducted to determine the level of different heavy metals present in various beverages using quadruple inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and brix calculation for the estimation of dissolved sugars using refractometer with densitometer. The detection range for heavy metals analysed in 21 samples used for this study were between 1 to 800 µg/L. The data obtained was compared with the guidelines for drinking water given by WHO, 2008 and FSS (contaminants, toxins, and residues) regulations, 2011. Awareness about the consumption should be spread among the consumers and regulatory bodies should strictly monitor to reduce the negative impact of these beverages.