Determination of Selected Toxic Heavy Metals and Analysis of Proximate Composition in White Sugar Manufactured from the Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory in Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the concentration level of selected toxic heavy metals and analyze proximate parameters in white sugar products collected from Omo Kuraz sugar factory in Ethiopia. The white sugar samples were extracted by using single drop microextraction (SDME) prior to toxic heavy metal analysis by Atomic Absorption spectroscopy (AAS) following optimized extraction procedures. The results of protein, fat, fiber, moisture, total solid, ash and carbohydrate were found to be 1.07–1.57, 1.25–2.08, 0.132–0.281, 0.184–0.750, 99.3–99.8, 3.00- 4.66 and 91.7–93.2%, respectively. The average concentration of toxic heavy metals found in all white sugar samples were ranged as 0.217–0.617 and 0.054–0.508 mg/kg for Cd and Pb, respectively. The contribution of toxic elements Cd and Pb to the overall intake from the analyzed white sugar samples were below FAO/WHO recommended limit. Based on the current results, keeping close watch on these contaminants is recommended in order to guide consumers against the health risks associated with these toxic metals.