Abstract This study aims to determine the distribution of toxic and essential elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in staple cereals (teff ‘an indigenous cereal’, wheat, and maize)… Click to show full abstract
Abstract This study aims to determine the distribution of toxic and essential elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in staple cereals (teff ‘an indigenous cereal’, wheat, and maize) grown in volcanic ash-rich soils of the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley. We found significantly higher mean concentrations (in mg/kg) of Mg (1270), Ca (1210), Na (33), Fe (159), Mn (71), and Cu (4.8), in teff compared to wheat and maize. While Maize had the lowest concentrations of essential elements, wheat contained higher Zn (31 mg/kg). Mean concentrations of As (in μg/kg) (24.7) and Pb (69.9) were higher in teff compared to wheat and maize, whereas Hg were higher in maize compared to teff and wheat. No Codex standards are established for total As and Hg in cereal grains; however, Cd and Pb concentrations in our cereals were below the Codex standards established for cereal grains. This new information on elemental concentrations contributes to the nutritional database and food safety of these cereals in Ethiopia and beyond.
               
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