Analysis of toxic elements in leaves and fruits of loquat by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Abstract

This study aimed at analyzing the content of 10 toxic elements (Be, Al, Ti, As, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, Pb and Ag) in different tissues (leaf blade, seed, fruit peel and pulp) of loquat fruits, at different maturity stages (immature green, mature green and full ripe) from Fujian (Yun Xiao/Zhangzhou) in China, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), with microwave digestion. Results revealed that the concentrations of Be, Al and Hg in all observed tissues were significantly reduced with the change in maturity of fruits from immature green to full ripe. Whereas the toxicity of Ti, As, Cd, Sb and Pb were observed to be shifted from seed and pulp to peel and leaves. Tin concentration was increased in all observed tissues except seeds, while silver concentration was only increased in fruit peel of loquat. In sum up, toxic elements concentration detected in the fruit pulp of loquat, at full ripe stage, was found safe for human consumption.