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Determination of the total acidity in soft drinks using potentiometric sequential injection titration
J Koos F van Staden1, M Mulalo G Mashamba, R Raluca I Stefan
1Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
Talanta
|October 31, 2008
Summary
A new potentiometric titration system accurately measures total acidity in soft drinks. This automated method offers a fast and reliable alternative to traditional titration techniques for beverage analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Science & Technology
Background:
- Accurate determination of total acidity in soft drinks is crucial for quality control.
- Traditional titration methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel potentiometric titration system for rapid and automated determination of total acidity in soft drinks.
- To assess the system's performance against established titration methods.
Main Methods:
- A potentiometric titration system utilizing sample aspiration between two base zones, flow reversal, and a reaction coil connected to a potentiometric sensor.
- Use of a 0.1 mol L⁻¹ sodium chloride solution as an ionic strength adjustment buffer in the carrier stream.
- Application to South African soft drink samples with varying total acidity levels.
Main Results:
- The system achieved a sample throughput of 45 samples per hour.
- A linear analytical range of 0.1% to 0.6% (w/v) total acidity was established.
- Results were comparable to automated batch titration and manual titration methods.
Conclusions:
- The proposed potentiometric SI titration system is a user-friendly, fully computerized, and efficient method for determining total acidity in soft drinks.
- This automated approach provides accurate and reliable results, suitable for routine beverage analysis.
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