The element contents in chickpeas grown under organic and conventional farming regimes using WDXRF analysis for human nutrition and health

Abstract

A comparative study on elemental composition of various chickpea (Cicer arientinum L) samples was conducted by using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). 22 elements, Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, S, Sr, Zn, Br, Cl, K, Mg, Na, Ba, Rb, Si, Au, Cr, La and Sn, were determined in chickpea samples (n = 10) grown under organic and conventional farming regimes. Results obtained from each group were analyzed statistically using the SPSS statistic program. It was observed that the concentration and peak intensity values of Ca, Fe, P, Cl, K, Mg and Na elements were higher in the chickpea samples grown under organic farming regime. Likewise, Al, Ni, Cr and Sn levels were found in higher levels in the samples grown under conventional farming regime. Ba was detected only in organic samples; although Sr, Br, Au, La were detected only in conventional samples. Our findings clearly revealed that organic chickpeas are likely to have higher nutritional mineral content. And the chickpea samples grown under conventional farming regime could contain harmful metals like Al, Ni, Cr and Sn that might damage the various systems and/or organs of humans and animals. © TÜBITAK.