Total determination of metal-binding carbohydrates in plant extracts by using FIA with electrochemical detection

FIA with pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) is used for the determination of metal-binding carbohydrates in plant extracts. Results of direct FIA mea surements agree very well with those of corresponding HPLC-PAD analyses. Th e proposed method is used to determine total carbohydrates in isolated low- molecular-weight fractions of plant roots, which have been obtained after e xtraction at different pH values. The results are compared with those obtai ned by corresponding metal determinations (Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn) by AAS and also with constant potential amperometric detection at a copper working electrod e. The latter detection mode is more sensitive, but less selective for carb ohydrates.