Elemental characterisation of strawberry grown in Islamabad by k_0-instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry and its dietary assessment

摘要

Mineral contents of strawberry, collected from different farms of Islamabad were analysed by semi-absolute k_0-instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The samples were irradiated at two research reactors located in Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology (PINSTECH), Islamabad. The analytical methodologies were validated by analysing reference materials, IAEA-336 (lichen) and IAEA-V-10 (hay powder). In all the samples, a total of 26 elements were quantified, among them 16 elements (Ca, Cd, C1, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, Ru, Sc, Sr and Zn) were found in all the samples. The determined elemental concentrations in strawberry were compared with the reported values from other countries. In comparison with the mineral contents of other fruits, strawberry stands best source of Mn and the second most important source of K after banana. Intake of trace metals through this source was calculated and it was found that strawberry provides Mn (1.95-3.68 mg/kg), Cr (19.2-46.3 x 10~(-3) mg/kg), Fe (3.45-8.72 mg/kg), K (1,520-1,670 mg/kg) and Mg (100-220 mg/kg), which forms 26, 19, 14, 7 and 7% of the recommended dietary allowances for the respective metals. The daily intake of Cd and Pb were compared with the provisional tolerable weekly intake defined by FAO/WHO.