COMPARISON OF ELEMENT CONTENTS IN FIGS GROWN UNDER ORGANIC AND CONVENTIONAL FARMING REGIMES FOR HUMAN NUTRITION AND HEALTH

A comparative study on elemental composition of various fig (Ficus carica L.) samples was conducted by using a sensitive method, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). 17 elements, such as Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, S, Sr, Zn, Br, Cl, K, Mg, Ba, Rb, and Si, were determined in fig samples (n=10) grown under organic and conventional farming regimes. The obtained results from each group were analyzed statistically by using SPSS statistic program. It was observed that the concentration and peak intensity values of Ca, Fe, P, Zn, Cl, K, Na, Mg and Br elements were higher in the fig samples grown under organic farming regime. Likewise, Al, Cu and S levels were found in higher levels in the samples grown under conventional farming regime. Au and Ba were detected only in organic samples. Our findings clearly revealed that organic figs are likely to have higher nutritional mineral content. And the fig samples grown under conventional farming regime could contain harmful metals like Al and Cu that might damage the various systems and/or organs of humans and animals.