Application of spectroscopic techniques for the identification of organic and inorganic constituents of salvadora persica from Saudi Arabia

Infrared and atomic emission spectroscopic techniques were used in the study of the organic and inorganic structure and composition of salvadora persica. The results showed than the organic part of the sticks of salvadora persica consists mainly of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The lignin content in the pulp is higher than its content in the outer layers. The inorganic part of the samples except that from El-Teif consists mainly of anhydrous CaSO4. For the sample from El-Teif it consists of phosphate compound. The atomic emission spectroscopy indicated that the concentration of elements varies from sample to sample according to the regions of the samples. For example, Ca exists in major amounts in all samples except in the sample of El-Teif where it exists as a minor amount