Physicochemical Properties and Mineral Element Composition of Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) from Balochistan, Pakistan: An Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic Sudy

Habib Ullah; Anum Iqbal; Saleha Suleman Khan; Irshad Ali; Nimra Fazal; Saqiba Tahir; Kanwal Iqbal; Afroz Rias; Saima Maher; Raza Ullah

doi:10.31580/pjmls.v8iSp3.3471

Authors

Habib Ullah Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan Author
Anum Iqbal Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan Author
Saleha Suleman Khan Department of Chemistry, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University (SBKWU), Quetta, Pakistan Author
Irshad Ali Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan Author
Nimra Fazal Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan Author
Saqiba Tahir Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan Author
Kanwal Iqbal Department of Chemistry, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University (SBKWU), Quetta, Pakistan Author
Afroz Rias Department of Botany, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University (SBKWU), Quetta, Pakistan Author
Saima Maher Department of Chemistry, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University (SBKWU), Quetta, Pakistan Author
Raza Ullah H.E.J Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi-75270, Karachi, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31580/pjmls.v8iSp3.3471

Keywords:

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), Balochistan, Heavy metals, Pomegranate

Abstract

Background: The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a significant fruit crop because of its nutritional and health-promoting characteristics. Nonetheless, variations in environmental conditions and the accumulation of heavy metals might have an impact on the quality of the fruit and on food safety. The present study evaluated pomegranate's selected physicochemical properties and heavy metal contents for samples obtained from various areas of Balochistan, Pakistan. Methodology: Khuzdar, Zehri, Baghbana, Zeedi, and Wadh are amongst the various regions of Balochistan where samples were collected. Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Nickle (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) after standard sample preparation and acid digestion while Physicochemical properties, including pH, ash content, and titratable acidity, were also determined.

Results: The ash content and titratable acidity ranged from 0.3–0.7% and 0.5–1.5 respectively, while pH ranged from 2.2 to 3.8, confirming the acidic nature of pomegranate. All the metals analyzed were found with a significant level of regional variation. Zinc was the most abundant metal, followed by copper, nickel, lead and cadmium. Khuzdar generally exhibited higher metal concentrations than Wadh, which showed comparatively lower concentrations for most of the analyzed metals. These variations may be due to differences in soil, irrigation water, agricultural methods, and other environmental conditions.

Conclusion: The results revealed the regional differences in the physicochemical and elemental composition of pomegranates from Balochistan. The physicochemical results in general could not be directly related to metal accumulation because region-specific values were not reported; however, the findings highlight the need for regular monitoring of heavy metals in fruits and their growing environments to support food safety and maintain fruit quality.

Author Biographies

Habib Ullah, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

Faculty of Physical and Environmental Sciences, Department of Chemistry, University of Balochistan, Pakistan.
Saqiba Tahir, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

Faculty of Physical and Environmental Sciences, Department of Chemistry, University of Balochistan, Pakistan.

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