Atomic Absorption and Atomic Emission Spectrometry for the Determination of the Trace Element Content of Selected Fruits Consumed in the United States

Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and flame atomic emission spectrometry (AES) were used to determine calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc in 32 fruits. Samples were wet ashed using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and calibration was accomplished using calibration against aqueous standards. Data obtained are reported in mg/100 g and are compared with literature values. Data for less commonly consumed fruits such as tangerines, nectarines, kiwi, star fruit (carambola), mangos, papayas, and plantains are also presented. Fruits are identified which may be considered good sources of the trace elements studied based on the FDA definition that a serving contains 10% of the Daily Value. When possible, differences in elemental content for multiple varieties is studied.