Determination of Selected Essential and Non-Essential Elements in Different Beer Brands of Ethiopia

Abstract

The determine amount of selected Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Cr, Cd and Pb elements present in different brands of Ethiopian beer available in Ethiopian markets were surveyed, in April 2011. Beer samples were randomly collected from Gondar, Bahir Dar and Woreta town. Detection was performed by FAAS after degassing and digestion of beer samples. Average content of Mg 44.291 to 59.122 mg/L, Ca 7.379 to 51.307 mg/L, Fe 0.023 to 0.079 mg/L, Cu 0.051 to 0.074 mg/L, Pb ND to 0.056 mg/L, Cd ND to 0.013 mg/L and Cr ND to 0.052 mg/L for all brands were determined and significantly different (P<0.05) except Mg for all brands, this study indicated that beer may contribute heavy metals to the diet. The values determined comparable to the literature values from different beer brands different countries indicate.

Keywords: Ethiopian beers, essential and non-essential elements, FAAS