Determination of microelements in sprouts grown on metal-enriched solutions by ion chromatography

Abstract

The paper discusses a possibility to grow seeds on solutions of microelements and application of sprouts enriched in such a way as an alternative to commercial dietary supplements. It contains a short review of the approaches reported till now and a systematic experimental study, carried on the most frequently used seeds (Lens culinaris, Helianthus annuus, Vigna radiata, Glycine max, and Lepidium sativum). Seven metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Cd, and Mn) were studied. Seeds were grown on cellulose in 20°C temperature using deionized water enriched with metals in concentrations: 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, and 3.125 mg/L in a period of 4 days. The reference samples were the seeds grown on pure deionized water. Sprouts were mineralized by microwave radiation, and the metal content was quantified by ion chromatography with on-line post-column derivatization and spectrophotometric detection. The conclusions can be treated as general recommendations, which seeds should be grown and what concentrations of metals in solutions should be applied to provide good enrichment and to avoid risk of microelement overdose.