Determination of Multi Elements in Tobacco Plant of Northeast India by Neutron Activation Analysis and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.

Even when cultivated in uncontaminated soils, tobacco plant has higher propensity to extract and accumulate trace elements. The concentrations (mass fractions) of essential elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn) and 28 non-essential elements in tobacco plant (leaves, stem, and root) of Northeast India and their respective soils were quantitatively measured. Hg mass fraction in all samples analyzed were found to be < 10 mg/kg.

Macro-, micro-, and trace element distributions in areca nut, husk, and soil of northeast India.

In areca nut and husk, 14 elements (As, Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, and Zn) were determined, while 34 elements including rare earth elements were detected in the corresponding soil samples using instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry methods, whereas the concentration levels of Hg in tested samples are negligible, perhaps, below the detection limits. No rare earth elements were detected in edible areca nut. The concentration levels of various essential elements and heavy elements such as As, Cd, and Cu present in areca nut are within the permissible levels, whereas Pb content is relatively higher than FAO/WHO's permissible levels.