STUDY OF CHROMIUM AND NICKEL CONTENT IN WHITE ASPARAGUS (ASPARAGUS-OFFICINALIS, L)

The modifications in the chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) content and the distribution of these trace elements in white asparagus spears (Aspar agus officinalis, L.) were investigated. Samples were taken of two var ieties of white asparagus, Desto and Cipres, and grouped in function o f their thick ness in spears of <11 mm and of >14 mm. All the asparagu s samples were cut in lengths of 20 cm and divided into 10 portions of 2 cm each. The determinations of chromium and nickel were carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with air-acetylene flame. The mean concentrations were 0.675 +/- 0.19 and 5.578 +/- 1.39 mg/kg dry w eight for chromium and nickel, respectively. By means of three-factor analyses of variance (varieties, thickness and portions), statisticall y significant differences were determined between the concentrations o f chromium and nickel and each one of the sources of variation establi shed. The chromium content showed a variable distribution throughout t he white asparagus portions as a result of the notable differences bet ween varieties and thickness. In the case of nickel, its levels underw ent a generalized decrease as the spear portions were further and furt her away from the apical area or tip of the white asparagus.