Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Chemistry

Date of Award

12-2011

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Chu-Ngi Ho

Committee Members

Ningfeng (Peter) Zhao, Peng Sun

Abstract

The goal of this study is to determine whether or not there is an appreciable difference between concentrations of various metal ions present in conventionally grown and processed and organically grown and processed baby foods. Two prominent, commercially available brands were chosen to undergo comparative studies between both their own conventional and organic varieties of second stage green beans and carrots. Samples were tested for cadmium, calcium, iron, lead, nickel, and zinc. Two containers of each variety of baby food were sampled in triplicate, with purchases of foods being made in separate areas to ensure that each set came from different batches. Samples were digested with nitric acid, appropriately diluted, and analyzed for metal content by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy with the regular standard calibration curve and standard addition method. There was little overall difference in metal content between the conventional and organic foods tested.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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