Evaluation of Minerals, Nitrates and Nitrite in the Different Organs of Salicornia persica L. Cultivated in Tehran Province

The aim of this study was to monitor the accumulation of minerals and to measure nitrite and nitrite anions in different organs of Salicornia plant in Tehran province (Varamin) to study the pattern of accumulation of these elements in different organs for human consumption of this plant. Measurements of iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, sodium and potassium elements, and also nitrate and nitrite anions were performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), Flame Photometric Spectrophotometer and Spectrophotometer respectively. The highest amount of ash in shoot (22.95 ± 0.49%) and the lowest in root (7.36 ± 0.12%) were based on dry weight. Generally, the nitrite content of different organs of Salicornia has been significantly less than nitrate in the same organ. Due to the presence of sodium and potassium ions, and useful nutritional elements, it can be a good alternative to table salt. Based on the results of this study, the green aerial parts of Salicornia can be used as source of minerals. Considering the highest level of nitrite and nitrate in the shoot (317.14 and 16.67mg/100gr dry weight respectively) and comparing them with the their comparison with international standard values was in the range of very low-nitrate vegetables (lower than 200 ppm) such as artichoke, asparagus, pepper and tomato and it can be consumed without problem.