Mineral ion content of the seeds of six cultivars of Bahraini date palm (Phoenix dactylifera).

The mineral ion composition of six different cultivars of Bahraini dates palm (Phoenix dactylifera) seeds (Khalas, Murzban, Khunaizi, Khawajah, Khasaib Asfor, and Khaseeb) were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA and ICPS). Murzban was found to contain the higher mineral ion content. The essential bulk metal ions in the six cultivars were found to be dominant, where [K+] was the highest and [Ca2+] was the lowest. The decreasing order of essential trace metal ion concentrations is Fe2+ > Mn2+ > Zn2+. Lead ion content was found to be higher than cadmium ion as metal ion pollutant. Mineral ion contents of Bahraini date palm seeds and those of imported coffee grain and barley were studied, because date palm seeds, coffee grain, and barley are used for coffee drinks. Copyright 2004 American Chemical Society