CHAPTER – 1

INTRODOCTION
Turmeric is a bright yellow powder obtained from a plant in the
ginger family, used as a spice. It has powerful anti-inflammatory
effects and is a very strong antioxidant. It may be adulterated
by lead chromate (PbCrO ) which is serious issue with human
4

health.
Turmeric powder has a variety of potential health benefits,
largely due to its active ingredient, curcumin , which has anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may provide a
range of health benefits. These properties make it potentially
beneficial for reducing inflammation, improving brain function,
and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease
and cancer.In cooking, turmeric powder is often used to add
flavor and color to dishes such as curries, rice, and soups.
Adulteration in spices is a common problem in many parts of
the world. Spices are often adulterated by adding low-quality
ingredients, fillers, or artificial colors to increase their weight,
improve their appearance, or lower their cost. In turmeric, it is
adulterated by lead chromate (PbCrO ) or menatil powder. PbCr
4

O may cause anaemia, abortion, paralysis, mental retardation

4

and brain damage in children. The presence of lead chromate is

required to be detected.
 CHAPTER – 2
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MATERIALS
i)Turmeric powder (about 1 g)
ii) Dil. Sulphuric acid
iii) 2% diphenyl carbazide (alcoholic solution)
METHODS
1) Take warm water in test tube and add a pinch of turmeric
power then mix it and put the test tube in test tube stand
for about 10 – 15 minutes. (If turmeric powder settle
down, it is pure but if it does not settle down, it is impure)
2) Dissolve about I g sample A of turmeric powder in 10 ml of
dilute sulphuric acid.
3) Boil the solution for about 5 minutes and filter
4) Take 5 ml of clear filtrate in a test tube.
5) Add 0.5 ml. of 2% diphenyl carbazide prepared in alcohol.
6) Appearance of red or pink colour indicates the
adulteration of turmeric powder with PbCrO . 4

7) Again, repeat the steps 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for sample B.

 CHAPTER – 3
EXPERIMENT/OBSERVATION
The solution of both sample with dil. Sulphuric acid after
adding diphenyl carbazide remains same.

OBSERVATION TABLE

CHAPTER – 4
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
If the sample A and sample B turns into red or pink after adding
dil. sulphuric acid and diphenyl carbazide , it indicates the
presence of the adulterant lead chromate powderin the
samples, if not, it indicates the absence of the adulterant.
Hence, as a result of the experiment, both sample’s colour
remains unchanged which indicates the absence of the
adulterant lead chromate powder.

CHAPTER – 5
 CONCLUSION
The use of 2% diphenyl carbazide and diluted sulfuric acid
is an effective method to detect the presence of
adulterant in turmeric powder samples. Hence, this
method can be used as a simple and effective way to
detect the presence of lead chromate powder in turmeric
powder samples.
In conclusion, the adulteration of turmeric powder is a
significant issue that requires attention from both
consumers and the food industry. To ensure that the
turmeric powder you consume is pure and safe, it is crucial
to purchase it from a trusted source and to be aware of
the signs of adulteration.

BIBILOGRAPHY
  www.dictionary.com
 www.wikipedia.com
 www.nccih.nih.com (Natinal Center for
Complementary and Integrative Health)
 chat.openai.com

APPENDICES