Investigation into Benzene, Trihalomethanes and Formaldehyde in Chinese Lager Beers
Qian-Jun Wu1,2, Hong Lin1,3, Wei Fan2, Jian-Jun Dong2 and Hua-Lei Chen2
1 College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
2 Technology Center of Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., Qingdao, 266061, China.
3 Corresponding author. E-mail: linhong@ouc.edu.cn
J. Inst. Brew. 112(4), 291–294, 2006 | VIEW ARTICLE
ABSTRACT
Beers brewed commercially in China have been surveyed for the presence of a number of potential contaminants, including benzene, trihalomethanes and formaldehyde. Of 84 beers only 6 contained detectable benzene, at concentrations ranging from 1.9 to 7.1 µg /L (mean of 4.0 µg/L). Further investigations suggested that the source of the benzene could be the carbon dioxide used for carbonation. Trihalomethanes were measured in 107 beers (consisting of 27 Chinese brands) by headspace gas chromatograph with average and maximum concentrations of 1.2 µg/L and 5.2 µg/L respectively. Total trihalomethanes were also measured in water samples from different brewing sites. Concentrations varied from 2.7–46.9 µg/L, except for one sample which contained 79.3 µg/L. Formaldehyde was measured in 29 beers (including 7 imported brands) using solid-phase microextraction with on-fiber derivatization. Formaldehyde levels were between 0.082–0.356 mg/L. None of the beer samples exceeded WHO drinking water criteria for benzene, trihalomethanes or formaldehyde.
Key words:
Benzene, Chinese lager beer, contaminants, formaldehyde, trihalomethanes.
Publication no. G-2006-1102-469 ©2006 The Institute & Guild of Brewing