Studies of Enset (Enset Ventricosum) for Major, Minor and Trace Elements
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Date
2006-07
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Addis Ababa Universty
Abstract
This paper presents the concentration of K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Mn in
Enset ventricosum. Samples of enset were collected from Wolliso (Oromiya region) and
Wolkite (SNNPRG) in March 2006. Total acid (4 mL mixture of HNO3 and HClO4) digestion
method was employed and determination was made by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.
The percentage recoveries of the metals were in the range of 85% to 120%. The ranges of the
concentrations (μg/g) of the metals on dry weight basis are: Ca 36,100 – 39,100; Mg 24,900 –
26,900; K 14,100 – 32,200; Zn 11.9 – 42.3; Cu 1.5 – 5.2, Co 2.8 – 10.5; Cr 5.8 – 7.6; Fe 18.2
– 54.4; Mn 2 _ 5; Ni 1 – 4 and Cd 0.6 _ 1.8.. The result obtained implies the plant is rich in
calcium, magnesium and potassium and has small concentration of non-essential trace
elements.
Key words: Enset, Enset ventricosum, Acid digestion, Major elements, Minor Elements,
Trace Elements, Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy
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Keywords
Enset; Enset ventricosum; Acid digestion; Major elements; Minor Elements; Trace Elements; Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy