Determination of trace elements in 31 species of fruits and vegetables by atomic absorption spectrometry

Objective To investigate the contents of trace elements in ordinary vegetables and fruits sold in Xi'an and to provide reference for the guidance of healthy diet.Methods The contents of Ca,Mg,Zn,Fe,Mn,Cu and Pb in 26 kinds of vegetables and 5 kinds of fruits were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.Results Ca was highest in artemisia stelleriana,celery,green vegetables and orange.Mg was highest in artemisia stelleriana,sweet potato,spinach and banana.Fe was rich in artemisia stelleriana and pineapple.Zn was rich in lettuce and apple.Cu content was the highest in sweet potato and apple.Mn was in rich ginger and pineapple.Pb was rich in mushroom,cabbage and asparagus.The contents of Ca,Mg,Zn,Fe,Mn,Cu and Pb in 26 kinds of vegetables and 5 kinds of fruits were 18.64-2 728.35 mg/kg,46.03-572.28 mg/kg,1.45-141.46 mg/kg,8.25-83.67 mg/kg,0.01-4.659 mg/kg,0.124-43.383 mg/kg,and 0.148-8.384 mg/kg.Conclusion There were great differences of trace element contents in different vegetables and fruits.