AN ASSESSMENT OF PHOSPHATE AND SULPHATE CONTENTS IN RAW AND PROCESSED SUGARS

Abstract

Sugar (raw and processed) is consumed in considerable amount in Pakistan annually. In this study, thirteen locally marketed raw and processed sugar brands have been analyzed for phosphate and sulphate contents. Analyses have been carried out using spectro-photometric methods. Results show that phosphate contents were found to be in the range of 1710-3315 μg g-1 and 0.4 – 216 μg g-1 in raw and processed sugar samples respectively. Sulphate contents were found in the range of 34.11– 62.01 mg g-1 and 36.19–111.80 mg g-1 in raw and processed sugar samples respectively. In general, phosphate contents were observed to be comparatively higher in raw sugars, whereas sulphate contents were comparatively higher in processed sugars. This study provides baseline data on phosphate and sulphate contents in locally marketed raw and processed sugars.