Author/Authors :
Mohammed Alkherraz, Abdulfattah Chemistry Department - Faculty of Science - Misurata University, Misurata, Libya , Sebsi, Mohammed Mustafa Chemistry Department - Faculty of Science - Misurata University, Misurata, Libya , Sassi, Mohamed Chemistry Department - Faculty of Education - Misurata University, Misurata, Libya , Muftah Elsherif, Khaled Chemistry Department - Faculty of Science - University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
Abstract :
The aim of this study was to estimate and compare some of chemical constituents in nuts and seeds consumed as
snacks and available in the local market of Misurata city in Libya. 18 kinds of local and imported raw and roasted
nuts and seeds samples were randomly collected from stores distributed across the city, with 3 - 4 replicates of
each kind, in order to estimate the concentrations of some chemical components and heavy elements, which were
lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), nickel
(Ni), moisture, ash, total solids and protein. The dry digestion method was used to prepare the samples for heavy
metals determination using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Also, moisture, ash and total solids contents
were determined, and Kjeldahl method was used to estimate proteins. The results showed that the average
concentrations of heavy metals varied significantly with sample kind. The levels of the studied metals were as
follows: 0.075 - 1.167, 31.50 - 116.00, 0.325 - 1.325, 9.425- 71.00, 0.025-3.87, 8.325- 24.825, 0.175- 1.250,
0.050- 0.750, 43.00- 98.325 mg/kg, for Co, Zn, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Fe, respectively. Also, levels of
moisture contents, ash contents, total solids contents, and protein levels were: 4.0 - 8.5%, 2.0 - 11.39%, 91.5 -
96.0%, and 11.8 - 33.2%, respectively. Most of the obtained results were consistent with the previous studies and
within the permissible limits.
