Application of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in Food Sciences: (A Study on Cucurbita Maxima)

The study of this research is based on the determination of multi-trace elements in cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The elements, K, Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Co, and heavy metals, Pb and Cd were determined in the seed, pulp and skin (peel) of three pumpkins, one from each of the three counties of Guyana. There was a significant difference in the means for each of the elements of interest. There was no significant difference in the means of each element in the seed for the Berbice, Essequibo and the Demerara pumpkins, likewise for the pulp and skin samples. In term of the distribution of the elements in the different parts of the pumpkin, it was found that there was a significant difference in the means for each element. They were in higher quantities in the seed than in the skin and pulp samples, respectively. The results show some elements essential to the human diet such as K, Cu, Zn, P, Fe are abundant in the seeds of the pumpkins, implying that the nutritive value of pumpkin seeds is high. Traces of all the elements were found in the skin samples, justifying some of the use of pumpkin skin, such as, as an ingredient in skin creams. The heavy metals cadmium and lead were present with the latter only being found in the skin samples, making it harmful as a food since lead is toxic at even small levels. The Cadmium levels were the more significant of the two, suggesting significant pollution of the soils and water around the areas of production of the crop. However, at levels below 0.500 ppm it helps prevent growth of prostate cancer cells in human beings.