Elements in raw leafy vegetables grown in wadi Al-shati (Central Sahara)

Abstract Twelve leafy vegetables from wadi Al-shati in the Central Sahara Desert were analysed for essential and toxic elements by Flame Atomic Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy. Results indicated the following concentration ranges (in per cent on a dry matter basis), sodium 0.055–3.364, potassium 1.611–5.216, calcium 0.384–2.883 and magnesium 0.145–0.747. Copper, iron, manganese and zinc occurred in low amounts compared with the macro-elements. The levels of lead and cadmium in the samples were mostly below levels reported for vegetables from urban areas. It is concluded that the amounts of lead and cadmium in the vegetables tested are unlikely to constitute a significant health hazard to adults.