Abstract
We used energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) to determine the seasonal variation of selected trace elements (Cr, Mn, Zn, Cu, Se and Fe) and some potential toxic elements (Cd, Pb and Br) in Juniperus thurifera subsp. africana Maire (Cupressaceae) a rare medicinal tree, growing indigenously in Aurès Mountains of Algeria. The precision of the results was assessed by analyzing the certified reference material IPE44 (WEPAL) grass leaves. Results showed J. thurifera was characterized by high Cr and Mn contents. During autumn and winter mineral concentrations were higher in general. The levels of Cr, Se and Mn were higher during autumn and winter than during spring and summer. Zn contents were higher during summer than in other seasons. Cu content did not vary by season. The potential toxic elements in J. thurifera (Pb > Cd > Br) were below the permissible limits recommended by the Joint WHO/FAO guidelines except for Pb in autumn and winter.
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Authors appreciate the technical contribution of Nuclear Research Center of Algiers-Gare. The Authors are also indebted to Guest Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Forestry Research and anonymous reviewer for their constructive remarks and helpful comments.
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Project funding: This work was funded by Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research through the Project (CNEPRU No. D04N01UN170120140017).
The online version is available at http://www.springerlink.com
Corresponding editor: Hu Yanbo.
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Bacha, M.E., Nedjimi, B., Ararem, A. et al. Seasonal variation of selected trace elements in rare endemic species Thuriferous Juniper growing in the Aurès Mountains of Algeria. J. For. Res. 28, 249–254 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-016-0320-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-016-0320-4