STUDY OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN FRUITS OF DATES AT TURBAT-PUNJGURREGION OF BALOCHISTAN WITH REFERENCE TO MEDICINAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
STUDY OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN FRUITS OF DATES AT TURBAT-PUNJGURREGION OF BALOCHISTAN WITH REFERENCE TO MEDICINAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Asif Khan1, Manzoor Iqbal Khattak1\*, Rukhsana Jabeen2, Saadullah Khan Laghari3, Yasir Arafat1
1 Department of Chemistry, Balochistan University, Quetta, Pakistan
2 Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Quetta, Pakistan
3 Department of Chemistry, Balochistan University, Quetta, Pakistan
Corresponding author's email: manzoor_iqbal@yahoo.com
Abstract
This study focuses on the status of dates in Balochistan and the analysis of heavy elements (Boron, Copper, Chromium, Cadmium, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Nickel, and Zinc) in the fruits of dates grown in the Turbat-Panjgur region. Dates are a vital fruit crop in Pakistan, grown on an area of 23,880 acres, with significant production in Balochistan and Sindh. These dates are essential for domestic and international markets, especially organic ones.
The study advocates adopting biological standards to enhance the export quality of dates, emphasizing both medicinal benefits and environmental protection. Investigations using mass spectrometry-induced coupled plasma (MS-ICP) showed most trace elements were present in small quantities, except for Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn), which could originate from geological and water sources. These elements' absorption by plants has medicinal applications and helps mitigate environmental pollution.
Keywords
Dates, Trace Elements, Medicinal Plants, MS-ICP, Environmental Pollution
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