Investigation of major and trace elements and their distributions between lipid and non-lipid fractions in Brazil nuts by inductively coupled plasma atomic optical spectrometry

Major (Ca, Mg, P) and trace (As, Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Se, Zn) elements were determined in Brazil nuts by means of inductively coupled plasma atomic optical spectrometry (ICP-OES) and five of them were measured for the first time. For measurement of As, Hg and Se levels, hydride generation was used as the sample treatment method. The element concentrations were compared with recommended dietary allowances and upper tolerable levels. The distributions of the elements between lipid and lipid-free fractions were investigated with the use of solvent extraction. Two extractants (petroleum ether and chloroform: methanol 2: 1) were applied. Most of the Cr, Fe and Ni contents were found in the lipid fraction, while Ba, Ca, Cu, Mn, P and Zn were mainly bonded with defatted nut residue. Al, Mg, Se, Sr were only present in the defatted fraction. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.