Application of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy to determine Mineral and Heavy Metal distribution level of Medicinal Plants

Author(s): Bushra Hina, Ghazala –H- Rizwani, Uzma Naseeb, Ambreen Huma,Zeeshan Hyder

This study was done to apply the technique of atomic absorption spectrophotometery in the field of pharmacy to ensure the quality and purity of herbal plant material. In this regard samples of Justicia adhatoda were collected, dried, weighted, digested and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer for their mineral contents (Copper, Chromium, Zinc, Cobalt, and Iron) as well as toxic heavy metal (Lead and Cadmium) contamination. A comparative study of two different sample preparation techniques i.e. dry ashing and wet digestion protocols was carried out in order to observe the effects of sample pre treatment on the qualitative and quantitative analysis prior to atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. After spectroscopic analysis statistical evaluation of the data was performed using. On the basis of statistical evaluation using t-test (p<0.05), it was concluded that wet digestion method was found more significant for the analysis of Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Fe. Moreover another comparison was also performed among 3 different samples collected from three various sites of Karachi city to detect changes in metallic composition. Application of one way ANOVA followed by Duncan test indicated no significant difference in Pb, Cd, and Zn concentrations collected from all three zones(p<0.05). It can be concluded that atomic absorption spectroscopy can successfully utilized to monitor toxic metal contamination as well as to determine essential metal profile in herbs.