Quantitative elemental analysis of Celocia argentea leaves by ICP-OES technique using various digestion methods

Abstract

Abstract Aim Quantification of macronutrient, micronutrient and toxic elements from the leaves of Celocia argentea by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and to report efficient, reliable, eco friendly method of digestion for better recovery of the elements. Methods The five digestion methods are studied included, dry ashing method with HNO3/HCl, wet digestion method with HNO3/HClO4 and HNO3/H2O2, microwave digestion with HNO3/HClO4 and HNO3/H2O2. ICP-OES operating parameter was optimized at radial and axial viewing along with the radio-frequency power, sample flush time and gas flow rate. The results of the elemental quantification were statistically analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) by Kruskal–Wallis test. Results C. argentea exhibits good quantity of macronutrients like Mg, Ca S, P, K and Fe. The ashing and microwave digestion method were found to more reliable as compare to wet digestion method and hence recommended for better recovery. The element Ca, Cu and Fe gives better recovery by ash and microwave digestion method as compare to wet digestion method. Toxic elements show their concentration below permissible limit. Conclusion All the nutrients as well as toxic elements are quantified successfully by ICP-OES technique by all methods of digestion. Dry and wet digestion methods are tedious and time consuming compare to microwave digestion method, which is greener and simpler. Kruskal–Wallis test can be employed for non-parametric methods to compare more than two population average which do not require any specific form of the distribution of the population. The C. argentea can be used as supplementary food for deficiency of minerals like Fe, Mg and Ca.