The contents of some major and trace elements - World-food.net

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Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment Vol.9 (3&4): 1078-1081. 2011
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The contents of some major and trace elements for quality groups of Aegean Region
tobaccos
Sıdıka Ekren* and Seda Erdoğanbayram
Department of Field Crops and Central Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture,Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey.
*e-mail: sidika.ekren@ege.edu.tr
Received 6 July 2011, accepted 10 September 2011.
Abstract
While the harmful health effects of carbonmonoxide, nicotine, tar, irritants and other noxious gases that are present in tobacco are well known, the
effects due to some major and trace elements in Izmir type tobacco are not sufficiently emphasized. Tobacco and tobacco smoking influence the
concentrations of several elements in some organs. The objective of this study was to investigate content of some major and trace elements in Aegean
Region tobaccos grown in the district of Akhisar. In this research nine fields which are different in terms of the quality and efficiency in the villages
called Haciosmanlar, Arabacibozköy, Dereköy, Mecidiye and Süleymanli were selected. Calcium, potassium, magnesium, natrium, copper, iron and
manganese contents of the tobacco were analyzed. The analyses showed that there were significant differences among the tobacco samples of
different years and quality grades.
Key words: Aegen region, some major and trace elements, Izmir type tobacco.
Introduction
Trace elements have an important role in physiological process in
all living organism. Besides the essential elements, necessarily
required for their existence and appropriate growth, plants can
also take up a number of toxic elements from the soil. The
composition of the soil and its pH value, ion exchange capacity,
the use of various fertilizers and agricultural sprays, climatic
conditions and the characteristic absorptive properties of the plant
can all influence the concentration levels and different chemical
forms of essential or toxic inorganic constituents in different parts
of plant materials. Among them, tobacco holds a leading position
as an article of human consumption and is one of the most
frequently used plant species in the study of mineral composition
and nutrition 1 .
It is known that tobacco smoking, as a world wide habit, is
certainly one of the greatest sources of indoor inhalable particles
not only for the smokers but also for all those who are exposed to
it 2 . During the smoking volatile elements including essential or
toxic can pass from cigarette smoke to the body. Some portions of
these elements are transferred by the smoke into the human body,
where they accumulate by damaging the organs (mainly kidney
and liver) and act as promoters in conjunction with carcinogens.
Over 4000 different chemicals have been identified in tobacco
smoke 3 .
Tobacco as being one of the most important crop species in
Turkey is widely grown in many different environments. The
varieties grown in Aegean Region are well known as Izmir (Turkish)
type tobaccos. One of the important characteristics of Turkish
tobacco is its aroma. Also, Turkish tobaccos have low nicotine
content. They have poor burning quality and low filling values. In
spite of these undesirable qualities, they are highly valuable in
the international markets because of their blending capability.
Aegean type tobaccos account for two thirds of the annual tobacco
leaf production of the country and for 85-90% of total tobacco
export 4 .
Aegean tobaccos sold in the foreign markets are used in blends
for which, tobaccos purchased from the farmers of different
districts are sorted and blended in the factories for sale, where
tobacco growing districts and localities are important because
they take part in exported bales and affect the quality of the
products. Aegean Region as the manipulation processing center
is one of the most important oriental tobacco markets of the world.
As explained above, it is known that Aegean Region in Turkey
has produced the high quality oriental tobacco. Therefore, it seems
to be necessary to analyze contents of some major and trace
elements of Aegean Region tobaccos of Turkey, which was also
the main objective of this investigation.
Materials and Methods
The research was carried out in the period of 2004-2005 in Akhisar,
Aegean Region, where tobacco is very popular. In this study,
nine tobacco farms which were known to show differences in
terms of the quality and yield in the villages called Hacıosmanlar
(H1, H2, H3); Arabacıbozköy (A1, A2); Dereköy (D1); Mecidiye
(M1) and Süleymanlı (S1, S2) were chosen.
Tobacco samples were taken from both the bales of producers
which were stated above during the “tobacco marketing” period
and experts in Akhisar working for Tobacco Industry and Trade
Company (TTL Tobacco Company). Nine producers’ tobacco,
differing from each other in terms of quality and yield, were
harvested separately. Leaves were dried in the sun and baled in a
way that each one represent each quality. Some samples were
taken from these baled tobacco samples in a way that they
represented the quality group. The amount of samples of each
producer was 100 g. Tobacco seeds used in producers’ fields in
1078 Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, Vol.9 (3&4), July-October 2011

Akhisar belonged to Sarıbaglar tobacco type. In 2004, the first
year of this study, 9 tobacco samples and in 2005, 9 samples as
well, totally 18 tobacco samples in different quality groups were
studied. Dried tobacco samples were digested with HNO 3 :HClO 4
(4:1, v/v) and Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe and Mn contents in the
solutions were determined spectrofotometrically by using atomic
absorbsion 5 .
Statistical analyses: The data obtained from each component
with 2 replications and 2 factors were subjected to statistical
variance analyses (ANOVA) using F-test 6 . Variables in each
component were subjected separately to variance analysis. The
means of the variables were grouped by using Least Significant
Difference (LSD) values at 5% levels of probability.
Results and Discussion
It is well known that there are major and important differences
among tobacco types. Within each type there are also wide
differences among grades or stalk position (upper stalk, middle
stalk and lower stalk position) and also one single leaf. For example,
total nitrogen and total alkaloid content of the leaves are low in
the center stalk position and high in both bottom and upper
position 7 . The variations of the heavy metal contents are
considered to be related to genetic characteristics, fertilizers,
irrigation, climate, soil characteristics and also the storage
conditions.
Magnesium content: Magnesium is one of the important quality
characteristics in tobacco leaves related with tobacco burning
abilities. High ash content is usually associated with magnesium
deficiency.
The results of magnesium contents are presented in Table 1. In
two years, magnesium contents in Aegean tobaccos were 0.13-
0.64%. Results obtained showed that the highest magnesium
content was recorded for S2 farms (0.64%) in the second year. On
the other hand the lowest magnesium content was observed for
H3 farms (0.13%) in the first year.
The magnesium contents in the other studies were 0.29-1.41% 8 ,
0.28-3.10% 9 and 0.282-0.920% 10 . In a similar study, the magnesium
Table 1. Magnesium and potassium contents of Aegean Region
tobaccos (%).
Magnesium Potassium
Farmers 2004 2005 Average 2004 2005 Average
M1 0.51 a 0.53 ab 0.52 ab 1.94 cd 2.30 a 2.12 cd
H1 0.53 a 0.24 e 0.39 c 1.08f 1.54 b 1.31 e
H2 0.22 bcd 0.29 de 0.26 d 1.43 ef 1.33 b 1.38 e
H3 0.13 d 0.20 e 0.16 e 1.11 f
1.74 b 1.43 e
S1 0.53 a 0.42 bc 0.47 b 2.29 bc 2.28 a 2.28 bcd
S2 0.57 a 0.64 a 0.60 a 1.65 de 2.46 a 2.05 d
A1 0.33 b 0.40 cd 0.37 c 2.43 ab 2.43 a 2.43 abc
A2 0.25 bc 0.26 e
0.25 d 2.81 a 2.41 a 2.61 a
D1 0.21 cd 0.26 e 0.32 de 2.28 bc 2.61a 2.44 ab
Average 0.36 0.36 0.36 1.89 b 2.12 a 2.00
LSD%1 Year: not significant Year: 0.149
Farmer: 0.086 Farmer: 0.316
YxF: 0.122 YxF: 0.447
contents in A, B and Kapa grades were 0.9%, 1.32% and 2.33%,
respectively 11 .
Magnesium content, higher in the lowest leaves, decreased
regularly in each successively higher leaf until the percentage at
the top was about one-half of that in the bottom leaves 7 .
Potassium content: The values of potassium content were 1.08-
2.81% (in 2004) and 1.33-2.61% (in 2005) (Table 1). When the
potassium content was below 3%, it affected the burning quality
adversely. Potassium also affects the leaf features when it is in
deficient levels in soil. In 2004, the average content of potassium
was 1.89%, only in tobacco sample in A2 it achieved 2.81%. The
lowest potassium content (1.08%) was noted in H1. In the second
year of this study, maximum potassium content was observed in
D1 (2.61%) while minimum potassium content was found in H2
(1.33%).
In the other studies potassium contents in Aegean tobaccos
changed within the ranges of 0.67-3.55% 9 , 0.81-3.86% 8 and 1.32-
2.32% 12 . The values obtained are similar to those indicated in
other researches 13-15 .
Increasing the potassium contents of Aegean tobaccos without
decreasing the quality should be the target for tobacco farmers.
By the way the potassium contents of the blends in commercial
tobacco bales would also increase the tobacco quality.
Calcium content: The calcium contents varied significantly in
each farm, according to the two years results calcium contents
changed from 1.56 to 2.90% (Table 2). The highest value for calcium
content was obtained for S1 farms (2.90%) in the first year and for
S2 (2.59%) in the second year.
When the calcium is in excess level in the soil, closed textured
tobaccos are produced and this affects the quality in broad leaf
tobaccos 16, 17 . In calcium deficiency, growth, development and
the quality parameters are affected adversely as it is for the other
elements. The values were similar to the other scientific sources 8,
9, 18 .
Natrium content: Natrium affected the quality, increase of NaCl
and high levels of moisture contents in the leaves are not desired
in the fermentation stages. In Table 2, natrium contents varied
between 120.6 and 264.8 ppm in the first year and between
155.2 and 521.2 ppm in the second year of our study.
According the two years results, average natrium contents
changed between 182.0 and 241.6 ppm. The natrium contents
in S2 farms were found to be highest in contrast to others.
Similar results were obtained in other studies 8, 12, 18 .
Manganese content: Manganese has been reported in all
tobacco in range of 140-700 ppm. Tobacco plants require Mn
for normal growth, but are sensitive to excess of Mn 7 . The
manganese concentration highly increases in acid soil and
may reach 2400 mg/kg and more 14 . The values of manganese
content range from 340.3 to 180.0 ppm (in 2004) and from
380.4 to 220.9 ppm (in 2005) (Table 3). The normal leaf
concentration of manganese in tobacco is about 20-400 mg/
kg 19 . The contents of manganese in the leaves of the Ege
tobacco are considered to be in normal level.
Copper content: The results for micro element copper are
given in Table 3. Copper values were 9.9-12.6 ppm in 2004,
Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, Vol.9 (3&4), July-October 2011 1079

Calcium Natrium
Farmers 2004 2005 Average 2004 2005 Average
M1 2.60 ab 2.26 bcd 2.43 bc 156.8 cd 163.4 c 160.1 d
H1 1.72 d 2.41 abc 2.06 e 120.6 de 170.3 c 145.5 d
H2 2.19c 2.58 a 2.38 bcd 142.0 cd 155.2 c 148.6 d
H3 1.84 d 1.83 ef 1.83 f 69.9 e 227.6 b 148.8 d
S1 2.90 a 2.54 ab 2.72 a 264.8 a 237.3 b 251.1 b
S2 2.46 bc 2.59 a 2.52 ab 238.4 a 521.2 a 379.8 a
A1 2.62 ab 1.56 f 2.09 e 175.1 bc 264.8 b 220.0 bc
A2 2.47 bc 2.13 cd 2.30 cd 226.9 ab 249.3 b 238.1 bc
D1 2.26 c 2.10 de 2.18 de 244.1 a 157.1 c 209.3 c
Average 2.34 a 2.22 b 2.28 182.0 b 241.6 a Table 2. Calcium (%) and natrium (ppm) contents of Aegean
Region tobaccos.
211.8
LSD%1 Year: 0.098 Year: 17.434
Farmer: 0.208 Farmer: 36.983
YxF: 0.295 YxF: 52.303
Table 3. Manganese and copper contents of Aegean Region
tobaccos (ppm).
Manganese Copper
Farmers 2004 2005 Average 2004 2005 Average
M1 270.1b 230.6b 250.3bc 10.6bc 12.5a 11.6ab
H1 180.0d 230.7b 200.8c 10.2c 11.1a 10.6b
H2 190.0cd 220.9b 200.9c 10.4bc 11.4a 10.9b
H3 190.0cd 250.5b 220.2bc 10.3c 11.4a 10.8b
S1 240.8bc 230.6b 240.2bc 11.0bc 12.4a 11.7ab
S2 240.8bc 260.3b 250.6b 9.9c 12.5a 11.2b
A1 340.3a 360.1a 350.2a 12.6a 12.4a 12.5a
A2 310.1ab 370.5a 340.3a 10.9bc 11.4a 11.2b
D1 260.9b 380.4a 320.7a 11.8ab 11.0a 11.4b
Average 250.1b 280.6a 260.9 10.9b 11.8a 11.4
LSD%1 Year: 12.150 Year: 0.507
Farmer: 14.560 Farmer: 1.075
YxF: 16.449 YxF: 1.520
11.0-12.5 ppm in 2005, respectively. According to the two years
results, average copper contents changed in between 10.9 and
11.8 ppm. The copper contents in A1 farms were highest. In the
other studies, in Aegean tobaccos copper contents changed within
the ranges of 4-170 ppm 8, 10, 12, 20 . Although its functions were not
known in the plants, the deficiency of copper in soil affects the
growth, development and the leaf quality adversely 17 .
Iron content: The concentrations of iron in the tobacco plants
are shown in Table 4. It is well known that the iron in the plants is
slightly mobile, because only a small part of it is in water-soluble
form, and 80-90% of the iron forms solid organic structure. That is
why it moves hardly within the plants 21 .
In our study the concentration of iron in 2004 (93.3 ppm) was
higher than in 2005 (84.7 ppm). The values of iron ranged from
116.7 to 63.3 ppm. The iron contents in D1 farms were highest.
The results obtained are similar to those determined by other
authors 19-22 and they are within the limits of the leaf concentration
of the element in tobacco, which are considered to be in normal
Table 4. Iron contents of Aegean Region tobaccos (ppm).
Iron
Farmers 2004 2005 Average
M1 113.2a 81.9b 97.5ab
H1 72.2c 84.9b 78.5cd
H2 93.1b 80.3bc 86.7bc
H3 116.7a 82.1b 99.4a
S1 91.9b 65.3cd 78.6cd
S2 82.7bc 63.3d 72.9d
A1 95.6b 115.3a 105.6a
A2 92.1b 82.8b 87.4bc
D1 82.2bc 106.5a 94.4ab
Average 93.3a 84.7b 89.0
LSD%1 Year: 5.322
Farmer: 11.290
YxF: 15.966
level. Although its functions were not well known in the plants,
the deficiency of micro elements in soil affects the growth,
development and the leaf quality adversely 7 .
Conclusions
Major and trace elements of the samples varied in Turkish Aegean
tobaccos according to the districts and years and significant
differences in tobacco samples were obtained. The contents of
major and trace elements in the leaves of the Aegean tobacco
were in accordance with the data given in the other scientific
sources and they are within the limits of the leaf concentrations in
tobacco plants. The leaf contents obtained in this study were as
follows: Ca 1.56-2.90%; K 1.08-2.81%; Mg 0.13-0.64%; Na 120.6-
521.2 ppm; Cu 9.9-12.6 ppm; Fe 63.3-116.7 ppm and Mn 180.0-
380.4 ppm. Increased concentrations of these elements are
indicated only at areas, where the soil is highly contaminated by
that element. These elements in our study are known to be harmful
for human health when cigarettes are smoked in active or passive
way.
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