Levels of essential and non-essential metals in leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.) and soil of Wushwush farms,Ethiopia

Five tea clones of the Camellia assamica variety grown in Wushwush tea plantation farms, Ethiopia, were analyzed for their contents of essential, non-essential and toxic metals (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Na, Cd and Pb) by atomic absorption flame emission spectroscopy. Both the tea leaves and the soils of the study farms showed similar accumulation patterns in their contents of the studied macronutrients. Among the macronutrient metals, K was the most abundant element in the tea leaves (17.7–24.8 mg/g) and the soils (7.14–9.73 mg/g). Mn was the predominant micronutrient heavy metal in the tea leaf tissues ranging between 501 and 1281 mg/kg. Level of Fe (29.6–100 mg/kg) in the leaf tissue was found to be the second most abundant micronutrient next to Mn whereas concentrations of Cu and Co were relatively lower both in the soil and tea samples. The toxic heavy metals Pb and Cd in the leaf tissues were present at levels too low to be detected by the analytical technique used in this study. The soils were found to be acidic (pH 5.04–5.49) with high organic matter (5.48–6.02%). Fe was the most abundant metal followed by Mn, Na and Zn in the soils. Unlike the tea leaves, the soils were found to contain traces of the toxic metal, Cd (0.02–1.10 mg/kg). The levels of most of the metals determined in this study compared well with those reported for tea leaves from some other parts of the world.     

Mineral content of tropical fruits and unconventional foods of the Andes and the rain forest of Colombia

A total of 68 species of starchy foods, tropical fruits, leaves and tubers (101 samples), were collected on the foothills of the Colombian Andes and in the rain forests of the Colombian Pacific coast. Their edible portion was analyzed for mineral content (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Cl, S, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, Co, Ni). The foods were generally high in K (36–1.782 mg K/100 g edible portion) and low in sodium (<45 mg Na/100 g edible portion). The tree foliages had the highest contents in most of the elements, especially in calcium (280–1242 mg Ca/100 g edible portion, i.e., up to 62 g Ca/kg dry matter) and iron (0.7–8.4 mg Fe/100 g edible portion). Correlations (P < 0.001) were observed between total ash and many elements, especially Ca and Mg (r =  0.77 and 0.73, respectively). High correlations were also obtained between Ca and Mg (r = 0.93).     

Determination of mineral contents of semimembranosus muscle and liver from pure and crossbred pigs in Vojvodina (northern Serbia)

The content of phosphorous (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) was investigated in the M. semimembranosus and liver of 69 pigs from 10 different genetic lines, produced in Vojvodina (northern Serbia). Phosphorous was determined by the standard spectrophotometric method. Metals were determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry after mineralisation by dry ashing. The difference in the mineral content among the different genetic lines of pigs, reared under the same conditions, was not significant (P > 0.05) in the analysed muscle and liver tissues. The order of the minerals in the meat samples and their content ranges in mg/100 g was K (214–328, on average 280) > P (200–263, on average 225) > Na (39.0–82.7, on average 59.8) > Mg (24.4–29.4, on average 26.6) > Ca (9.8–15.5, on average 11.8) > Zn (2.30–3.29, on average 2.70) > Fe (1.00–2.79, on average 1.42) > Cu (0.18–0.49, on average 0.32) > Mn (0.018–0.038, on average 0.025). Likewise, the order of the minerals in the liver samples and their content ranges in mg/100 g was P (336–448, on average 383) > K (156–306, on average 217) > Na (56.1–126.3, on average 82.2) > Mg (20.8–36.6, on average 25.7) > Ca (15.9–31.1, on average 20.4) > Fe (16.65–30.93, on average 21.78) > Zn (6.32–15.99, on average 9.82) > Cu (0.72–3.06, on average 1.61) > Mn (0.23–0.51, on average 0.35). A higher content of K and Mg was found in the muscle than in the liver tissue, with a highly significant difference for K (P < 0.001). The contents of P, Na, Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the liver tissue than those in the muscle tissue. The Vojvodian pork meat showed higher Cu and Mn contents, while the Vojvodian pork liver showed a higher Ca content compared with the values found in other countries.     

Seasonal and lactational changes in mineral composition of milk from Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus)

Milk minerals are important for calf growth, and they have other roles as well, such as immune regulation. This 2-yr study examined content of Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, and Zn in milk of 54 Iberian red deer hinds through 18 wk of lactation. Mean mineral composition of fresh milk was ash = 1.168 ± 0.007%, Ca = 2,330 ± 20 mg/kg, P = 640 ± 10 mg/kg, K = 1,100 ± 10 mg/kg, Na = 385 ± 3 mg/kg, Mg = 138 ± 1 mg/kg, Zn = 12.5 ± 0.2 mg/kg, and Fe = 0.65 ± 0.03 mg/kg. All minerals except Mg varied by week of lactation, but variation was usually <10% except for Fe (83% variation) and Zn (30% variation); both of those minerals increased as lactation proceeded. Increased concentrations of Fe and Zn in later lactation compensated for the reduction in milk production in mid and late lactation such that daily production was less variable for Fe (55% variation) or Zn (79% variation) than for other minerals (118 to 135% variation). Potassium content of milk decreased across time, but that effect occurred primarily during the last few weeks of lactation. Calving later vs. early in the calving season had variable effects on concentrations of different minerals: P, Mg, and K concentrations were not affected; Ca, Mg, and Na were all lower in milk from later calving hinds; and both Fe and Zn had higher concentrations in milk from hinds that calved later in the season. Lactating hinds seem to maintain a more stable daily yield of the microminerals Fe and Zn in milk compared with more variable concentrations of macrominerals as lactation progresses. Because of the essential role of Fe and Zn in immune function, a more stable supply of those minerals might be important to the health of growing red deer calves.     

Variation in essential,trace and toxic elemental contents in Murraya koenigii – A spice and medicinal herb from different Indian states

Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii), collected from 19 different Indian states, were analyzed for six minor (Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Na and P) and 20 trace (As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, Th, V and Zn) elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). In addition, Ni, Cd and Pb were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Most elements vary over a wide range, depending on geo-environmental factors and local soil characteristics. Fe, Mn, Na, K, Rb, Se and P vary by a factor of 3–5 whereas Br, Cs, Sc, Th and Zn vary by an order of magnitude. Leaves collected from the southern zone were enriched in K, Mg, Mn, Cl and P but depleted in Se. However, leaves from the northern zone were particularly enriched in Ca whereas those from the western zone were enriched in Zn. Concentrations of most elements from the eastern zone were on par with the mean values. Cr, Fe, Cu, V and Zn are known to play an important role in the maintenance of normoglycemia by activating β-cells of pancreas. Percent contributions of diabetically important elements from curry leaves were 1–2% of daily dietary intake (DDI) but are likely to be in bioavailable form thus making them effective for treatment of diabetes. Rb and Cs are linearly correlated (r = 0.93) as their salts enhance the absorption of insulin in the lower respiratory tract by breakdown of glucose. Inorganic elements may remain complexed with organic ligands.     

Genetic variation for grain mineral content in tropical-adapted maize inbred lines

Increasing the concentrations of Fe and Zn in staple food crops through breeding has been proposed as one strategy to minimize the adverse effects of widespread mineral deficiencies in humans. This approach requires the presence of adequate genetic differences in concentrations of grain minerals for improvement. Eight trials involving different sets of tropical maize inbred lines adapted to the lowlands and mid-altitudes were, therefore, evaluated for concentrations of grain Fe, Zn and other minerals in two locations. The combined analyses of variance showed significant variation in concentrations of grain minerals among inbred lines in each trial, which was always greater than the variation caused by locations and line × location interactions. The line × location interaction had no significant effect on concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg and P in at least three trials of lowland inbred lines. The line × location interaction also did not significantly affect the concentrations of any minerals, except S, in at least three trials of mid-altitude inbred lines. The best-inbred lines identified from each trial had 32–78% more Fe and 14–180% more Zn than their trial average. The first two principal component axes, which accounted for 55–64% of the total variation in kernel mineral concentrations, stratified the inbred lines in each trial into four groups based on differences in their grain mineral compositions. None of the correlations of Fe and Zn with Mn, Cu, Ca, Mg, K, P and S was significant and negative in the various trials, while the correlations of Fe with Zn were positive and significant (r = 0.55 to r = 0.68, p < 0.0001) in almost all the trials. These results suggest that a genetic potential exists for concurrent improvement of Fe and Zn without lowering the concentrations of other grain minerals in maize.     

不同锥栗农家种种仁中9 种矿质元素含量的因子分析与聚类分析

为探明锥栗种仁中矿质元素含量特征规律,以30?种主要锥栗农家种种仁为试材,采用自动间断分析仪与原子吸收光谱法测定N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Fe、Mn、Zn和Cu?9?种矿质元素指标,运用相关性分析、因子分析和聚类分析对其矿质元素含量进行分析。结果表明,Kolmogorov-Smirnov检验表明9?种矿质元素含量数据服从正态分布,9?种矿质元素平均含量顺序为N（6?873.74?mg/kg）＞K（4?402.32?mg/kg）＞P（1?619.16?mg/kg）＞Ca（471.18?mg/kg）＞Mg（394.59?mg/kg）＞Mn（115.80?mg/kg）＞Fe（16.22?mg/kg）＞Zn（8.68?mg/kg）＞Cu（7.59?mg/kg）,大量元素中N、K、P与Ca、Mg存在显著差异（P＜0.05）,微量元素中Mn与Fe、Zn、Cu差异显著（P＜0.05）,变异系数范围为8.29%～54.43%;相关性分析表明各元素之间存在着复杂的关联性;因子分析结果表明,N、P、Mn、K、Cu和Fe是锥栗的特征元素,提取的6?个公因子累计方差贡献率为90.572%,第1公因子方差贡献率为22.400%,主要综合了N、P和Mn?3?种元素的信息,第2公因子方差贡献率为15.572%,主要综合了K和Cu?2?种元素的信息,第3公因子方差贡献率为14.701%,与Fe有关,第4公因子方差贡献率为14.614%,与Mg有关,第5公因子方差贡献率为11.936%,与Ca有关,第6公因子方差贡献率为11.349%,与Zn有关,综合得分排名前5名依次为蔓榛、长芒仔、中尖嘴、材榛和小尖嘴;从元素含量角度进行聚类分析,30?种锥栗农家种可分为6?类。本研究结果可为进一步开展锥栗营养功能评价、锥栗育种亲本选择和锥栗食品开发等提供基本参考数据。     

Simultanbestimmungsmethoden für die Elemente Kupfer,Zink, Eisen und Mangan sowie Natrium,Kalium, Calcium und Magnesium mittels Flammen-Atomabsorptionsspektrometrie (F-AAS)

Simultaneous determination of the elements copper, zinc, iron and manganese as well as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS). The elements Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn are very important for the examination of human food and foodstuff in the light of nutritional physiology. Two simultaneous determination methods for these elements with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS) are presented. The sensitivity of the F-AAS is sufficient for these examinations. Using the calibration and the method of standard addition resp. and “Schinkellösung” (caesiumchlorid lanthanumchlorid buffer solution), the simultaneous determination of Na, K, Ca and Mg is possible. The detection limits of Na, K, Ca and Mg depend on the simultaneous determination of the elements, the used wavelengths and the kind of the examined samples (30 mg Na, 24 mg K, 1,9 mg Ca and 0,46 mg Mg per kg fresh matter). The detection limits for Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn with the simultaneous determination are 0,61 mg Cu, 0,14 mg Zn, 3,8 mg Fe and 0,44 mg Mn per kg sample. The new methods are tested with the standard reference materials CRM No 278 (Mussel Tissue), CMR No 185 (Bovine Liver) and CRM No 189 (Wholemeal Flour) and with selected samples.     

Elemental analysis of instant soups and seasoning mixtures by ICP–OES

A method for the determination of Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn levels in high saline food products (instant soups and seasoning mixtures) using ICP–OES was developed. The results of the direct determination with multi-elemental water standards were compared with the internal standardisation, the standard addition methods and the allowable limits of the above mentioned elements in food. The method was shown to be sensitive with limits of detection: Na 1.50, K 12, Ca 0.32, Mg 0.13, P 1.1, Cd 0.16, Cr 0.21, Cu 0.32, Fe 0.30, Mn 0.17, Ni 0.42, Pb 2.1 and Zn 0.21 (in mg kg⁻¹). The method exhibited RSD 2–8%.     

Element concentrations in shell of Pinctada margaritifera from French Polynesia and evaluation for using as a food supplement

Element concentrations in shell of Pinctada margaritifera (black-lip pearl oyster) from Manihi, French Polynesia, were measured with Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The respective average concentrations were: calcium (Ca) 396.4 mg/g, sodium (Na) 5.536 mg/g, magnesium (Mg) 2.136 mg/g, strontium (Sr) 890.6 ppm, iron (Fe) 67.89 ppm, aluminum (Al) 45.74 ppm, phosphorus (P) 27.19 ppm, boron (B) 12.17 ppm, manganese (Mn) 2.308 ppm, copper (Cu) 1.050 ppm, zinc (Zn) 0.7180 ppm; and nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and vanadium (V) were below detection limits with ICP-AES.     

杨梅烧酒香气物质和重金属含量的分析

采用液-液萃取法萃取杨梅烧酒中的香气成分,用气相色谱-质谱联用(GC-MS)仪进行分析检测;采用原子吸收分光光度法,分析杨梅酒中的铁、锰、铜、锌、铅、镁重金属元素。结果表明,杨梅烧酒共检出22种香气成分,主要呈香化合物有酸类、酯类及醇类,主要香气成分为乙酸、己酸乙酯、己酸、苯乙醇、丁酸、丁酸乙酯;在杨梅烧酒中分别检测出6种重金属的含量为：Fe 0.93 mg/kg,Cu 0.07 mg/kg,Mn 1.24 mg/kg,Zn 0.41 mg/kg,Mg 21.96 mg/kg,Pb 0.15 mg/kg。而用于浸泡杨梅的酒中6种重金属含量为：Fe 0.12 mg/kg,Cu 0.02 mg/kg,Mn未检出,Zn 0.01 mg/kg,Mg 2.21 mg/kg,Pb 0.13 mg/kg。结果表明,重金属有从杨梅向酒中迁移的倾向。     

Minor and trace elements in different honey types produced in Siena County (Italy)

The concentrations of 23 chemical elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Th, Tl, U, Zn) were determined in 51 honey samples of different botanical origin produced in Siena County (Italy). K, Ca, Na and Mg were the most abundant elements, with mean contents of 1195, 257, 96.6 and 56.7 mg/kg, respectively. The Fe, Zn and Sr contents generally ranged from 1 to 5 mg/kg. Except for Ba, Cu, Mn and Ni, the trace element contents were below 100 μg/kg. The analytical data indicated a good level of quality of the honeys, especially with regard to the concentrations of toxic trace elements, such as As, Cd, Pb and Sb, and suggested a significant influence of the botanical origin on the element composition. Some local geological and geochemical features also seemed to affect the chemistry of the honey.     

Phytic acid and mineral micronutrients in field-grown chickpea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cicer arietinum</Emphasis> L.) cultivars from western Canada

Zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) in chickpea seed are important constituents in vegetarian diets. The aim was to investigate associations of these nutrients in different chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars with phytic acid (PA), another naturally occurring constituent of grain that may influence the bioavailability of mineral micronutrients. Chickpea was grown at Saskatoon and Swift Current, SK, in 2002 and 2003, representing dryland production from high-yielding locations in western Canada. Minerals were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy; PA was measured using high-performance anion-exchange conductivity detection methodology. Seed from 10 genotypes contained from 29 to 52 mg/kg Zn, 77–112 mg/kg Fe, 1,448–2,457 mg/kg Mg, 1,211–2,457 mg/kg Ca, to 3.8–9.0 mg/g PA. Phytic acid, Fe, Mg, and Ca decreased in 2003 from 2002 concentrations. Kabulis had greater Zn, the same Fe, but lower Mg and Ca concentrations than desi genotypes. Large-seeded genotypes had greater or the same Zn, the same Fe and Mg, but lower Ca than small-seeded genotypes. Iron and Ca concentrations positively correlated with PA concentration. Nutrients were affected by environment and genotype, which means that chickpea can be exploited by breeding, in addition to sourcing favorable nutritional profiles by environment, seed size, and market class.     

Variations of vitamin and mineral contents in raw goat milk of the indigenous Greek breed during lactation

Raw goat milk samples from the indigenous Greek breed in the area of Ioannina, northwestern Greece, were collected during one lactation and analyzed for vitamins A, E, B₁, B₂, and C and for minerals Ca, Mg, P, Na, K, Cu, Fe and Zn. Also, the major constituents of goat milk, namely fat, protein, lactose and solids-non-fat, were determined. The average composition (%) of milk was: fat 4.10, protein 3.36, lactose 4.48 and solids-non-fat 8.54. The mean concentration of the fat-soluble vitamins retinol (A) and α-tocopherol (E) were 0.013 and 0.121 mg/100 ml, respectively. The mean concentration of the water-soluble vitamins, thiamin (B₁), riboflavin (B₂) and ascorbic acid (C) were 0.260, 0.112 and 5.48 mg/100 ml, respectively. Seasonal variations were observed for all vitamins studied. Thiamin had significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations during summer than in winter and early spring. The observed variations of the studied vitamins might be attributed to the differences in the feeding of goats during lactation. The mean mineral contents (mg/100 g) of goat milk were Ca 132, P 97.7, Na 59.4, K 152, Mg 15.87, Cu 0.08, Fe 0.06, Zn 0.37 and Mn 6.53 μg/100 g. Seasonal variations were observed for the major minerals Ca, P, K, and the trace elements Cu and Zn.     

Influence of cooking and dehulling on nutritional composition of several varieties of lentils (Lens culinaris)

The effect of cooking and dehulling on nutrients and anti-nutritional factors of several varieties of lentils (Lens culinaris) was investigated. Significant (p < 0.05) variations existed among the lentil varieties with respect to their crude protein, starch, ash, soluble dietary fiber (SDF), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), total dietary fiber (TDF), resistant starch (RS), trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), minerals, phytic acid, tannins, sucrose and oligosaccharides (raffinose, stachyose and verbascose) content. Cooking lentils in boiling water significantly increased protein, starch, IDF, TDF, resistant starch, Ca, Cu and Mn content, whereas reduced ash, Fe, K, Mg, P, Zn, TIA, phytic acid, tannins, sucrose and oligosaccharides were observed. Dehulling (removal of seed coat) resulted in a significant increase in protein, starch, resistant starch, K, P, phytic acid, stachyose and verbascose content, however, a significant decrease in SDF, IDF, TDF, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and tannin content was observed.     

臭豆腐中部分元素的调查分析

目的调查臭豆腐中部分元素含量,为长沙油炸臭豆腐安全控制提供参考。方法采用电感耦合等离子体质谱(inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry,ICP-MS)法测定了长沙市面上具有代表性的11家臭豆腐炸前后的As、Pb、Cr、Ca、Mg、Al、Cu、Mn、Zn、Fe等10种元素的含量变化。结果大部分元素均在安全控制范围内,部分臭豆腐的3种安全卫生指标元素As、Pb、Cr的检出浓度超出国家标准,人体的必需常量元素Ca、Mg的平均含量达到1375.78 mg/kg、447.08 mg/kg,微量元素Zn、Fe、Cu、Mn的平均含量达到24.51、411.68、4.79、14.86 mg/kg,非必须元素Al的平均含量为8.33 mg/kg。结论测定元素浓度表明,正常食用臭豆腐不会超出人体每日元素的限定摄入量。     

电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法测定茶叶籽中多种元素

目的 对茶叶籽中金属元素进行分析, 为茶叶籽综合利用提供参考。方法 采用高压密闭微波消解结合电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法对茶叶籽中As、Ca、Cd、Cr、Cu、Fe、K、Mg、Mn、Na、Pb、Se及Zn等元素进行了同时快速定量分析。结果 茶叶籽中各元素含量: Mg(1652.23 mg/kg)、Ca(1 026.36 mg/kg)、Mn(122.44 mg/kg)、Na(37.77 mg/kg)、Cr(7.58 mg/kg)、Cu(9.11 mg/kg)、Fe(58.17 mg/kg)、Zn(17.59 mg/kg)、K (9191.29 mg/kg)。As、Cd、Pb及Se未检出。方法加标回收率89%~113%。结论 此方法满足茶叶籽样品中所述元素的分析要求。茶叶籽中钾、镁及钙含量较高, 钠含量相对较低; 锰、铁、锌及铬元素含量丰富。     

Total phosphorus and its extractable form in plant drugs. Interrelation with selected micro- and macroelements

Determinations of total phosphorus, its extractable inorganic form and selected essential elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) in 27 leaves of medicinal plants supplied from the Polish herbal enterprise – Herbapol, were carried out. After the microwave digestion of plant samples, the total phosphorus was determined spectrophotometrically, using the phosphomolybdenum blue method, whereas contents of metals were established by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Extraction with 2% (v/v) acetic acid solution was done in order to separate the extractable inorganic fraction of phosphorus, which was evaluated by the same method as used for the total elements. The macroelements (P, Ca, Mg, Na, K) were determined in a range of concentration from several hundreds of mg/kg to thousands of mg/kg of dry plant tissue. Microelements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) were found in a range up to several hundreds of mg/kg of dry plant weight. The average level of the inorganic fraction of phosphorus represented 63.2% of the total concentration of that non-metal in leaves, which indicates that a large fraction of phosphorus may be bioavailable for people who often use herbal teas in their everyday diet. Statistically significant correlations between the total and extractable phosphorus and among metals (Ca–Mg, Ca–K, Ca–Fe, Mg–Fe, Cu–K, Cu–Zn, and Mn–Zn) were observed, confirming their indispensable role in activation of the same group of enzymes in medicinal plants. PCA revealed, that the levels of the total, extractable phosphorus and metals, may depend on the origin of the analyzed leaf sample from plants of the same plant species.     

Estimation of minerals,nitrate and nitrite contents of medicinal and aromatic plants used as spices,condiments and herbal tea

In this study, the minor and major mineral contents of 31 kinds of medicinal and aromatic plant collected from the south region of Turkey in 2004 year were established by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The samples were composed of Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P and Zn. The highest mineral concentration were measured between 57.70–2962.74 mg/kg Al, 1160.04–16452.88 mg/kg Ca, 44.83–1799.5 mg/kg Fe, 3570.73–27669.72 mg/kg K, 477.17–4313.59 mg/kg Mg, 1102.62–20912.33 mg/kg Na, 443.60–9367.80 mg/kg P and 7.18–48.36 mg/kg Zn. The highest values of Ca, K and P were established in Foeniculum vulgare (bitter fennel) (16452.88 mg/kg), Ocimum minumum (basil) (27669.72 mg/kg) and F. vulgare (bitter fennel) (9367.80 mg/kg), respectively. The heavy metal contents were determined too low in all samples.     

Elemental Composition of Various Sour Cherry and Table Grape Cultivars Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry Method (ICP-OES)

Three sour cherry and three table grape cultivars were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The elements: Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cd, Co, Pb, and Ni were detected in all samples; four elements are very abundant (K, Na, Ca, and Mg), and four are not abundant (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn). Five of them are trace elements (Cr, Cd, Co, Pb, and Ni) at <0.1 mg/kg. Among the 13 elements analyzed, potassium was the most abundant element distributed throughout all categories of fruits. Iron was the predominant minor element constituents. Manganese concentration was the highest in table grape cultivars. The accuracy of the results was evaluated by spike recovery tests. Analysis of variance was used to establish the metals with significant difference in mean content between the cultivars from sour cherries and between table grapes. Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the distribution of metals.