ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS ON EDIBLE LEAVES PTEROCARPUS MILDBREADII (OHA) SEED

ABSTRACT

Elemental analysis is the qualitative detection and quantitative determination of chemical elements (atoms, ions) in a sample (Fritz Pregl 1923). For detecting an element, we should establish an appearance of an analytical signal. The formation of precipitate or crystals characteristics, color change, isolation of gaseous products, the appearance of a defined lines in the spectrum, luminescence, etc. To determine the number of elements, it is necessary to measure the value of an analytical signal; a mass of precipitate, the intensity of a current, the absorption of the solution, the line spectrum, luminescence or radioactivity, a reaction rate and so on. (www.intechopen.com).

This study was undertaken to analyse the elements present in the earth mildbraedii Pterocarpus (Oha seeds) using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS MODEL-AA320N) .The seed was found to contain these macro minerals / elements sodium (Na) , potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and the trace elements iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) (Duffus, 2002).
The study found that Pterocarpus mildbreadii (oha seed) does not contain manganese and has a high content of potassium is necessary for good health.