Determination of trace element contents of Thymus species from Turkey

Authors: FATÜMETÜZZEHRA KÜÇÜKBAY, EBRU KUYUMCU

Abstract: Eleven mineral and trace elements (Mg, Ca, K, Fe, Mn, Al, Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, and Pb) were determined in the Thymus species growing in Turkey. The total concentrations were measured in samples mineralized with concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a microwave system. The determination of mineral and trace elements in the leaves of the Thymus species was carried out by flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The accuracy of the method was ensured by using standard reference material (NIST-SRM 1515 apple leaves). The concentration of elements in the Thymus species and their biological activity on humans is discussed.

Keywords: Thymus species, trace elements, minerals, atomic absorption spectrometry, microwave digestion

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