Are There as Many Essential and Non-essential Minerals in Hydroponic Strawberry ( Fragaria ananassa L.) Compared to Those Grown in Soil?

Abstract

The present study aims to compare the contents of minerals (essential major—K, Ca, Mg, Na, P, S; essential trace—Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo, As, Se, Ni, V, Cr, Co; non-essential—Sn, Ga, Li, Be, Rb, Sr, Al, Pd, Cd, Hg, Pb, Ge) in strawberry (stem, leaf, and fruit) cultivated in two different cultivation systems, soil and hydroponic. The concentrations of 30 minerals in the acid-digested strawberry samples were determined by ICP-MS and ICP-OES. Hydroponic strawberry (leaf > fruit > stem) indicated higher values for most minerals which were below the plant toxicity levels. In leaves collected from the hydroponic system, it was observed there were larger amounts of Fe, Zn, B, As, Se, Ni, V, Cr, Al, Cd, and Pd. Hydroponic fruits were the significant sources of K, P, Mn, Zn, Cr, and Co. Hydroponic strawberry leaves could contribute twice as many higher and safe daily intake of minerals to humans than other fruits. This analysis shows that, firstly, higher quality and safely edible produce can be provided by the hydroponic system; and secondly, strawberry leaf is a potential mineral source.

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