Abstract:

To understand the differences in the contents of trace elements of apples from different geographical origins, 20 trace elements in 9 Fuji apple samples from 3 growth regions were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Results showed that Fuji apples from Changping, Qixia and Baishui regions ranked first, second and third in Mo content, respectively. Qixia apples exhibited a much lower Rb content but much higher Mn, Co and Zn contents than Changping and Baishui apples. The Cu content of Changping apples was lower than that of Qixia and Baishui apples, but much higher B and Ti contents were observed in Changping apples. Baishui apples contained higher Ga and Ba contents than Changping and Qixia apples. These data demonstrate the significant differences in the contents of trace elements of apples from different geographical origins.

Key words: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), apple, geographic origin