1.1 Introduction
Canned Beverage is any drink used to satisfy energy need of the body. The global beverage industry has grown reasonably for the past few years with an average growth by 3.4% since 2009 and expected to accelerate for next years. Amongst different types of drinks, the soft drinks segment including bottled water, carbonates, juice, concentrates, functional drinks, tea and coffee have been the most lucrative followed by beer, cider and other flavored beverages. Awareness about good health has motivated young people to shift from alcoholic beverages to other ones. The competition in global non-alcoholic beverages market is reported to be huge mostly in the developed world, such as the North America and European region.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The global alcoholic beverages market has witnessed impressive growth over the last couple of years driven by a number of favorable factors. Growing urban population coupled with emerging economies is leading individuals to explore new forms of entertainment such as night parties and spending time at bars, lounges. Further, young adults with high family incomes, high social media influence, and easy access to alcoholic drinks are other prominent factors driving sales of alcoholic drinks. Stress relieving property of alcoholic drinks has inclined people towards their increased consumption in urban areas. However, adverse health effects after excessive consumption of alcohol has created awareness in young adults.
Aluminum is a metal which belongs to the boron group and is known for its strength and light weight. The metal is nonmagnetic and resists oxidation (rusting). Aluminum cans are coated internally to protect from oxidizing. Despite this coating, trace amounts of aluminum can be degraded into the liquid, the amount depending on factors such as storage, temperature, and liquid composition. Therefore, the bioavailability of potentially toxic aluminum in food depends on the quantity of food ingested and PH, oxidation state, extent of complexation or absorption and solubility.
The neurological aspects of poisoning from many metals indicate the nervous system as target organ with respect to metal toxicity. Other target organs are gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, blood, and kidney, bone, nails, hair, endocrine (ASTDR, 1993). When the concentrations of the metals are beyond the tolerable limit, they become toxic.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to determine the concentration of aluminum in canned beverages using atomic absorption spectrometer.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that there is fear of the possible leaching of the aluminum used in coating of the beverage can, as it poses health hazard such as skin irritation, damage to the liver, kidney, circulatory and nerve tissues on ingestion into the body.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the concentration of aluminum in canned beverages using atomic absorption spectrometer. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the concentration of aluminum in canned drinks and beverages
- To carry out a study to reduce such content that could be harmful for human consumption.
- To investigate the elution of aluminum from cans into the beverages in a more quantitative manner.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the concentration of aluminum in canned drinks and beverages?
- What is the procedure used in reducing such content that could be harmful for human consumption?
- What is the elution of aluminum from cans into the beverages in a more quantitative manner?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to academic students and other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on determination of the concentration of aluminum in canned beverages using atomic absorption spectrometer.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection.
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