The study of the elemental composition of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Abstract

Applying the method of nuclear and issue spectrometry there were determined the qualitative structure and the quantitative content of elements in raw materials (leaves, stalks, flowers) of a summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), collected in different stages of vegetation. As concerning quality it was established that leaves, stalks, flowers had identical element structure: 5 macro, - 10 micro and 4 ultramicroelements. For macroelements the regularity of increase in the content on vegetation stages was observed. There was the following regularity of the elements content for raw materials: leaves and flowers - K> Ca> Si> Mg> P>Na, stalks - K> Ca> Mg> Si> P>Na. For all types of raw materials the high content of potassium was observed. The high content of this element was inherent in stalks - 3340-5050 mg/kg that was higher in comparison with leaves by 1,5 times (2850-3354 mg/kg), in comparison with flowers - by 1,2 times (3000-4000 mg/kg). In leaves, stalks and flowers there were found the considerable content of calcium (1350-1700 mg/kg, 1000-1576 mg/kg, 1007-1345 mg/kg, accordingly), silicon (1299-1400 mg/kg, 470-500 mg/kg, 1000-1130 mg/kg accordingly) and magnesium (8000-1086 mg/kg, 759-800 mg/kg, 897-905 mg/kg, accordingly). The content of such elements as molybdenum, cobalt and lead was lower than 0,03 mg/kg, arsenic, of cadmium and mercury is lower than 0,01 mg/kg. The considerable content of such elements as calcium, silicon and magnesium in studied raw materials testifies that leaves, stalks and flowers of summer squash can be a source of getting BAS.