ABSTRACT The levels of selected heavy metals (As, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) and macronutrients (Na, K, Ca and Mg) in local/imported carbonated waters, juices and mineral waters were determined. Relevant parameters like pH and TDS (total dissolved solids) were also measured. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique was applied for these estimations. The study revealed that the nutritional quality of local carbonated water was better than that of fruit juices, both in terms of heavy metal and macronutrient levels. Among the cardboard-packed juices, guava was found to contain maximum arsenic, whereas mixed fruit was found to contain maximum lead. Among the carbonated waters, Ribena was found to contain maximum chromium, whereas Sun Cola showed maximum levels of lead. Generally, most of the beverages showed heavy metal levels within the stipulated limits laid down by WHO.
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