Trace element determination in warm-climate plants by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Ion Selective Electrodes

Minor and trace elements of biological interest in some warm climate plants cultivated at Aswan (Egypt) were analysed to demonstrate their element metabolism, animal nutrition, toxicological effect and their uses as therapeutic plants. The seven plants studied were Macroptilium atropurpureum, Pennisetum glaucum, Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, Dolichos purpureus, Cajanus cajan 8 (Variety 78/237 A-Brasil), Cajanus cajan 13 (Variety 79/450 Uganda) and Prosopis juliflora. Silver, gold, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, potassium, manganese, magnesium, sodium, nickel, lead, strontium and zinc were analysed by an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, while iodide, fluoride and chloride content were analysed using Ion Selective Electrodes. The results of analysis reveal that Prosopis juliflora exhibits the highest element concentration, which illustrates the high ability of this plant to concentrate these elements and also its highly nutritional value for animals, while all these plants can be used as therapeutic plants. All elements in the studied plants were in the safety baseline level for animals which reflect their nutritional and beneficial values. The present study gives a new picture about ion antagonism in these plants and their uses not only as a food for animals but also as therapeutic plants to compensate of element deficiency. Ion Selective Electrodes were used successfully and accurately for I, F and Cl measurements both by direct and known addition methods and in a low concentration measurement of these ions.