Analysis of mineral content in leaves of some edible species of Bambusa and Dendrocalamus by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract

Minerals are indispensable for the healthy growth and development of both plants and animals. Bamboo leaves have been acclaimed to be an incredibly good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that promote health. Macro and micro minerals in the leaves of bamboo species belonging to Bambusa and Dendrocalamus were evaluated using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry, which is fast and efficient method for providing high resolution and low background spectra for accurate determination of elemental concentrations without damaging the material. Macrominerals such as potassium (K), silicon (Si), calcium (Ca), and iron (Fe), as well as microminerals like aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn), were detected in higher quantities. Conversely, magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) were present in moderate amounts. Among the genera, Dendrocalamus spp. exhibited higher concentrations of Si, K, Ca, Mg, P, Al, Cu, Sr, and Rb whereas, Bambusa spp. contained higher levels of Cl, S, Fe, Mn, Cr, Zn, Ti, and Ni. Mineral content varied among species. D. membranaceus exhibited the highest concentrations of Si, Ca, and P, with 414, 105, and 18 mg/kg, respectively. B. nutans had the highest levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Ti, with 7.300, 4.130, 0.460, and 0.467 mg/kg, respectively. These results suggest that all analyzed species are reliable mineral sources with high potential for development in value-added functional foods, beverages, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.