Vitamin C Quantification in Fresh and Dried Produce Using UV/Vis Spectroscopy
Disciplines
Analytical Chemistry
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is an essential nutrient that supports human physiological functions and aids in maintaining overall health. Fresh oranges are commonly known for containing a high amount of vitamin C. People may assume that dried fruit contains less vitamin C than fresh fruit because the compound degrades with time and decomposes at high temperatures. We are interested in quantitative comparison of vitamin C’s content in different fruits and vegetables, dried or fresh. In our study, UV/Visible spectroscopy is used to measure the absorbance of potassium permanganate around 525nm after a standard solution of potassium permanganate has reacted with the vitamin C present in a test solution. A calibration curve using a standard potassium permanganate solution and a set of ascorbic acid solutions of various concentrations is constructed. After a fruit or vegetable sample solution has reacted with the standard solution of potassium permanganate, the absorbance is measured, and the concentrations of vitamin C in the sample are calculated using the calibration curve [1].Both fresh and dry samples of oranges, guavas, kiwis, kale, grapes, and bell peppers (green, red, and yellow) are being analyzed in this experiment. The main objective is to test which type of produce may contain more vitamin C than others. We also aim to analyze if drying at ~60 degrees Celsius for 8 hours will significantly degrade the amount vitamin C in each sample. This can be valuable information for improving human health, especially for those in need of an increased level of vitamin C in their diet.
[1] Momtenor, B. L., & Tomulto N. (2024). UV-Vis spectrophotometric determination of commercial ascorbic acid concentration: A detailed laboratory activity protocol for students. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384763546_UV-Vis_spectrophotometric_determination_of_commercial_Ascorbic_acid_concentration_A_detailed_laboratory_activity_protocol_for_students
Use of AI Disclaimer
no
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM – Chemistry and Biochemistry
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Wei Zhou
Vitamin C Quantification in Fresh and Dried Produce Using UV/Vis Spectroscopy
Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is an essential nutrient that supports human physiological functions and aids in maintaining overall health. Fresh oranges are commonly known for containing a high amount of vitamin C. People may assume that dried fruit contains less vitamin C than fresh fruit because the compound degrades with time and decomposes at high temperatures. We are interested in quantitative comparison of vitamin C’s content in different fruits and vegetables, dried or fresh. In our study, UV/Visible spectroscopy is used to measure the absorbance of potassium permanganate around 525nm after a standard solution of potassium permanganate has reacted with the vitamin C present in a test solution. A calibration curve using a standard potassium permanganate solution and a set of ascorbic acid solutions of various concentrations is constructed. After a fruit or vegetable sample solution has reacted with the standard solution of potassium permanganate, the absorbance is measured, and the concentrations of vitamin C in the sample are calculated using the calibration curve [1].Both fresh and dry samples of oranges, guavas, kiwis, kale, grapes, and bell peppers (green, red, and yellow) are being analyzed in this experiment. The main objective is to test which type of produce may contain more vitamin C than others. We also aim to analyze if drying at ~60 degrees Celsius for 8 hours will significantly degrade the amount vitamin C in each sample. This can be valuable information for improving human health, especially for those in need of an increased level of vitamin C in their diet.
[1] Momtenor, B. L., & Tomulto N. (2024). UV-Vis spectrophotometric determination of commercial ascorbic acid concentration: A detailed laboratory activity protocol for students. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384763546_UV-Vis_spectrophotometric_determination_of_commercial_Ascorbic_acid_concentration_A_detailed_laboratory_activity_protocol_for_students