Assessment of mineral elements and heavy metal contents of walnut samples (Juglans regia L.) from Gumushane

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of essential and non-essential elements of different walnut samples (Juglans regia L.) collected near and away from highway area in Gumushane, Turkey. The mean amounts of Al Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn, Ba, Na, and Sr in the walnut samples collected near highway area were 10.39, 0.055, 0.503, 15.82, 32.54, 1.16, 19.96, 21.48, 3.90, 116.12 and 3.22 µg g-1, respectively, and the mean amounts of Ca, K, and Mg were 0.72, 3.40, and 1.15 mg g-1, respectively. When comparing these results with the mean data obtained for the control samples, it was observed that the levels of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ca, K, Na, and Sr are higher in walnut samples collected near highway area. To verify the accuracy of the procedure, the certified reference materials were analyzed.