THE EFFECTS OF BUSAN PRESERVATIVE ON APPARENT STARCH PURITY USING THEEC EWERS METHOD

The effect of Busan preservative upon the starch purity values produce d by the Elvers polarimetric assay was investigated. The results show that the use of a Busan blank results in a 1.2% underestimation of sta rch purity. If Busan effects are not compensated for, then a 0.657% un derestimation of starch purity results. There is also a reduction in a pparent starch purity values due to Busan reacting with some of the hy drochloric acid in the Ewers test. This portion of acid is therefore n ot available to react with starch in the Ewers test resulting in the l oss of about 1% of acid before the test begins. This is important in a n analysis where acid concentration is critical to results.