Elemental Analysis of Indian Coffee Powder Samples using Hand Held X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

Abstract

Elemental composition of ten samples of instant and roasted ground coffee powders available in markets of India have been analyzed using X-ray fluorescence technique. The samples were analyzed for thirty one elements, out of which major elements were K and Ca. Al, Fe, Ni, Mg, Mn, Sb, Sn and Zn were observed to be present in the smaller quantities. Nonmetals such as S, P and Si were detected in almost all the samples. The samples also showed presence of rare earth metals like W, Zr, Y, Ag, Sr, Rb, Nb and Mo. Toxic metals like Hg and As were not detected in any of the samples, while traces of Cd and Pb were found to be present in four samples each. With the absence of toxic elements coffee can be considered a safe beverage. Detection of radioactive elements U and Th in the coffee samples is an important finding of this research work. Results of elemental analysis of the analyzed coffee samples were correlated to the soil analysis data of their geographical origins. There have been good correlations between elements reported in the soil and those detected in the coffee samples. The motive of the research work is to bring out the goodness of coffee in terms of their elemental composition and also their variation with regard to their geographical origin.