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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
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Heghed-Mndru RC, Heghed-Mndru G, Negrea P, umlan R, Negrea A, tef D. The monitoring of mineral elements content in fruit
purchased in supermarkets and food markets in Timisoara, Romania. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2014; 21(1): 98105.
Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating various fruit samples by using the atomic absorption spectrometry method, and the content
of mineral elements, macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and microelements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Cd, Pb, Zn, Co and Ni). Fruit samples
were taken from supermarkets (imported products) and agricultural markets (domestic products) in the city of Timisoara,
Romania. The results obtained by chemical analysis were evaluated statistically based on method of main components
analyzed. Major influence in the group was evidenced if the macro-elements potassium and sodium, iron and manganese
where microelements. The results were compared with results obtained by other researchers worldwide. The results fall
within the legal limits set by law.
Key words
Fruits, mineral elements, atomic absorption spectrometry, principal components analysis (PCA), human health
INTRODUCTION
Fruits are an integral part of the human diet as they supply
vitamins and minerals, important constituents essential for
human health [1].
Plant foods sources of iron include dried fruit, peas,
asparagus, leafy greens, strawberries and nuts. On the other
hand, with few exceptions, fruits and leafy vegetables are
believed to occupy a modest place as a source of trace elements
due to their high water content. Consumers look for variety in
their diets and are aware of the health benefits of fresh fruits
and vegetables. Of special interest are food sources rich in
Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Potassium (K). Most
of these nutrient requirements can be met by increasing the
consumption of fruits and vegetables to 513servings/day
In addition to meeting nutrient intake levels, a greater
consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with
reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancers
of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, lungs, stomach, and
colon [2].
Numerous studies have shown that fruits and vegetables
are rich sources of nutrients as well as non-nutrient molecules
with antioxidant or other physiological effects, and it seems
likely that given sufficient bioavailability, these compounds
may be important constituents of a healthy diet. The healthpromoting properties of plant-based foods have largely been
attributed to their wide range of phytochemicals, many
present at relatively high levels [3].
Trace elements, together with other pollutants, are
discharged into the environment through industrial activity,
Adress for correspondence: Heghed-Mndru Gabriel*, Banats University of
Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine King Michael I of Romania from
Timioara
Calea Aradului nr. 119, 300645 Timioara, jud. Timi, Romnia
e-mail: ramo75ro@yahoo.com
Received: 25 April 2012; accepted: 09 July 2013
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Heghed-Mndru Ramona Cristina, Heghed-Mndru Gabriel, Negrea Petru, umlan Radu, Negrea Adina tef Ducu. The monitoring of mineral elementscontent
Lamp
current
mA
Wave
length
nm
Band
width,
nm
Air flow
L/min
Flow rate
C2H2,
L/min
Standard
mg/L
Chromium
7.0
357.9
0.2
13.5
2.9
2/4/6/8/10
Cooper
4.0
324.8
0.5
13.5
2.0
1/2/3/4/5
Manganese
5.0
279.5
0.2
13.5
2.0
1/2/3/4/5
Iron
5.0
248.3
0.2
13.5
2.0
3/6/9/12/15
Cadmium
4.0
228.8
0.5
13.5
2.0
0.5/1/1.5/2/2.5
Lead
9.0
217.0
1.0
13.5
2.0
2/4/6/8/10
Zinc
5.0
213.9
1.0
13.5
2.0
0.5/1/1.5/2/2.5
Calcium
6.0
422.7
0.5
13.5
2.0
5/10/15/20/25
Magnesium
6.0
202.6
1.0
13.5
2.0
5/10/15/20/25
Wave
length
nm
Band
width.
nm
Air flow
L/min
Flow rate
C2H2.
L/min
Standard
mg/L
Sodium
6.0
589.0
0.2
13.5
2.9
5/10/15/20/25
Potassium
6.0
766.5
1.0
13.5
2.0
2/4/6/8/10
Element
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Heghed-Mndru Ramona Cristina, Heghed-Mndru Gabriel, Negrea Petru, umlan Radu, Negrea Adina tef Ducu. The monitoring of mineral elementscontent
RESULTS
A maximum concentration of the element sodium was
recorded for sample Melon (Periam, Romania) (9.35mg/100g),
and the samples: Strawberries (Belgium), Strawberries
(Dumbrava, Romania), Apples (Bucov, Romania), Pears
(Italy), Melons (Turkey), Watermelons (Periam, Romania),
Table 3. Concentration of macro- and micro-elements (Na. K. Ca. Mg. Cr. Cu. Mn. Fe. Cd. Pb. Zn. Ni. Co) in fruit samples purchased from supermarkets
and food markets in Timisoara, Romania
No. Crt.
Sample
coding
Fruit samples
analyzed
Ca
Mg
Cu
Mn
Fe
Cd
Pb
Zn
Co
1.
F-1
Plums (Chile)
3.7
154
1.05
3.1
0.28
0.095
0.0475
0.0005
0.03
0.08
< 0.010
2.
F-2
Plums (Periam)*
3.75
151.5
1.2
3.1
0.15
0.105
0.0525 <0.001
0.01
0.02
< 0.010
< 0.010
3.
F-3
Strawberry (Belgium)
6.25
115
1.45
3.6
0.255
0.365
0.1825
0.001
0.035
0.05
4.
F-4
Strawberry (Dumbrava)*
6.2
167
1.05
4.65
0.205
0.215
0.1075
0.0005
0.035
0.07
0.05
5.
F-5
Apples (Italy)
3.75
156
1.1
2.8
0.17
0.095
0.0475
0.0005
6.
F-6
Apples (Bucovat)*
7.2
112.5
1.2
3.5
0.155
0.095
0.0475
0.0005 <0.01
0.0025
0.00
< 0.010
0.015
< 0.010
7.
F-7
Pears (Italy)
5.2
101.5
4.2
3.25
0.005
0.04
0.02
<0.001
<0.01
0.00
0.002
8.
F-8
Pears (Bucovat)*
4.8
83
0.95
2.8
0.27
0.09
0.045
<0.001
0.005
0.035
< 0.010
9.
F-9
Peaches (Greece)
3.75
179.5
0.7
3.6
0.08
0.07
0.035
0.0025
0.04
0.04
10.
F-10
Peaches (Periam)*
3.95
186.5
0.9
3.8
0.175
0.115
0.0575
0.0005
0.04
0.06
< 0.010
0.0055
11.
F-11
Apricots (Greece)
5.6
154
1.7
2.25
0.065
0.055
0.0275
0.004
0.085
0.015
0.019
12.
F-12
Apricots (Periam)*
3.6
210.5
4.15
0.125
0.115
0.0575 <0.001
0.01
0.00
0.0195
13.
F-13
3.65
173
1.25
4.75
0.2
0.08
0.04
<0.001
<0.01
0.00
0.054
14.
F-14
3.8
156
2.5
5.7
0.17
0.13
0.065
<0.001
0.015
0.00
< 0.010
15.
F-15
Cherry (Bulgaria)
3.95
134.5
0.9
3.15
0.09
0.065
0.0325 <0.001
0.03
0.00
0.013
< 0.010
16.
F-16
Cherry (Bucovat)*
3.1
118
1.15
2.25
0.08
0.08
0.04
0.001
0.025
0.035
17.
F-17
Raspberry (Netherlands)
7.1
121
2.3
6.75
0.25
0.28
0.14
0.0005
0.03
0.18
0.033
18.
F-18
Raspberry (Dumbrava)*
6.35
147
2.2
6.35
0.265
0.485
0.2425 <0.001
0.005
0.085
< 0.010
19.
F-19
Watermelon (Greece)
3.9
133.5
0.95
3.85
0.27
0.095
0.0475
0.0005
0.035
0.02
20.
F-20
Watermelon (Periam)*
7.35
100
2.3
5.85
0.405
0.09
0.045
<0.001
0.01
0.065
< 0.010
< 0.010
21.
F-21
Melon (Periam)*
9.35
131
1.65
3.6
0.05
0.065
0.0325
0.001
0.045
0.015
22.
F-22
Melon (Turkey)
5.75
159
1.25
3.35
0.13
0.085
0.0425
0.0005
0.03
0.015
23.
F-23
Grapes (Egypt)
4.95
165.5
0.85
2.95
0.275
0.075
0.0375
0.001
0.05
0.02
* Towns in Romania
0.0335
0.0205
< 0.010
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Heghed-Mndru Ramona Cristina, Heghed-Mndru Gabriel, Negrea Petru, umlan Radu, Negrea Adina tef Ducu. The monitoring of mineral elementscontent
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Heghed-Mndru Ramona Cristina, Heghed-Mndru Gabriel, Negrea Petru, umlan Radu, Negrea Adina tef Ducu. The monitoring of mineral elementscontent
Figure 1. PC2 vs. PC1 scores graphic for PCA analysis using as input the macroelements content for analysed fruits samples
Figure 4. PC2 vs. PC1 records graphic for PCA analysis using as input the
microelements content in fruit samples analyzed
Figure 2. PC2 vs. PC1 records graphic for PCA analysis using as input the
macroelements content in fruit samples analyzed
Figure 3. PC2 vs. PC1 scores graphic for PCA analysis using as input the contents
of the microelements in fruits samples analyzed
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Heghed-Mndru Ramona Cristina, Heghed-Mndru Gabriel, Negrea Petru, umlan Radu, Negrea Adina tef Ducu. The monitoring of mineral elementscontent
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Heghed-Mndru Ramona Cristina, Heghed-Mndru Gabriel, Negrea Petru, umlan Radu, Negrea Adina tef Ducu. The monitoring of mineral elementscontent
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Heghed-Mndru Ramona Cristina, Heghed-Mndru Gabriel, Negrea Petru, umlan Radu, Negrea Adina tef Ducu. The monitoring of mineral elementscontent