ABSTRACTElemental analysis is the qualitative detection and quantitative determination of chemical elements(atoms,ions)in a sample(Fritz Pregl 1923). To detect an element, one should fix an appearance of an analytical signal. The formation of precipitate or characteristic crystals, colour change, an isolation of gaseous products, an appearance of a definite lines in spectrum, luminescence, etc. To determine elements quantity, it is necessary to measure a value of an analytical signal; a precipitate mass, intensity of a current, solution absorption, spectrum line, luminescence or radioactivity, a reaction rate and so on.(www.intechopen.com).
This study was undertaken to analse the elements present in grounded Pterocarpus mildbreadii (Oha seed) using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer(AAS MODEL-AA320N).The seed was found to contain these essential macro minerals/elements sodium(Na),Potassium(K),calcium(Ca),magnesium(Mg),and the trace elements iron(Fe),copper(Cu),zinc(Zn), and selenium(Se)(Duffus,2002). The study established that Pterocarpus mildbreadii(oha seed) does not contain manganese and has high content of potassium which is necessary for good health.
TABLE OF CONTENTSTitle page i
Approval Page ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of Contents vi
Abstract ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION, AIMS & OBJECTIVES
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Aim of study 4
1.3 Research objective 4
CHAPTER TWO:LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Elemental analysis 5
2.2 Trace elements as catalysts 25
2.3 Biological functions of metals,sources and deficiency 26
2.4 Pterocarpus mildbreadii:A case study for elemental analysis 30
2.4.1 Systematic position of Pterocarpus mildbreadii 31
2.4.2 General characteristics of Leguminosae 32
2.4.3 Geographical distribution of Pterocarpus mildbreadii 33
2.4.4 Properties of Pterocarpus mildbreadii 34
2.4.5 Botany of Pterocarpus mildbreadii 34
2.4.6 Ecology of Pterocarpus mildbreadii 35
2.4.7 Management and propagation of Pterocarpus mildbreadii 35
2.4.8 Prospects of Pterocarpus mildbreadii 35
2.4.9 Uses of Pterocarpus mildbreadii 36
CHAPTER THREE:MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Materials 37
3.1.1 Equipment/apparatus 37
3.1.2 Chemicals/reagents used 38
3.2 Methodology 38
3.2.1 The study area 38
3.2.2 Collection and preparation of plant material 39
3.2.3 Extraction 39
3.2.4 Preparation of reagent for AAS 39
3.3 Elemental analysis 39
3.4 Atomic Absorption Spectrometry 40
CHAPTER FOUR:RESULTS
4.0 Elemental content of Pterocarpus mildbreadii 45
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION 50
REFERENCES 51
