Differences in concentration of essential and toxic elements in peanuts and peanut oil

Two varieties of peanut (Arachis hypogeaea), which grow in two different areas of Greece, were analysed for essential and toxic elements by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).Differences in concentrations, probably depending on the growing area, were observed for seven elements (Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, Co and Pb).Higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, Co and Pb were found in the oil-free material of the Serron variety (continental area), while the Kalamon variety (coastal area) showed higher concentrations of Cu, Fe and Zn.The contents of these elements in the peanut oil are significantly different in the two varieties.Significant variations also appear in the concentrations of the water-and fat-soluble salts of the elements studied. Discussion of the results is based on statistical treatment of the data.