Trace Metal Determination in ‘Marsh’ Grapefruit Peel by Automated Fast Sequential Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

Abstract

Major trace elements (K, Ca, Mg, P, Na), minor trace minerals (B, Sr, Mo, Fe, Cu, Ni, Ba, Zn, Mn, Al, Cr, Sn, Rb), and ultra trace metals (Ti, V, Co, Li) in fresh ‘Marsh’ grapefruit peel samples collected during two consecutive seasons (1981–82 and 1982–83) were determined by an automated fast sequential multielement spectrometer using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) as an excitation source for Atomic Emission Spectrometry (AES). Among the major elements K showed a range of 2000–3200 ppm with a significant difference of concentration fluctuations in both seasons. Within the ultra trace metal group, concentrations were found at constant levels for both periods. In the minor trace group, elements such as Sr, Mo, Fe, Cu, Ni, Ba, Al, and Cr showed slight concentration differences during the 1981–82 season when compared to the 1982–83 period.

Key Words:

• Atomic Emission
• Inductively Coupled Plasma
• Trace Metals in Grapefruit Peel