# Elemental Profiles of Legumes and Seeds in View of Chemometric Approach
###### Abstract  
The study aimed to evaluate fourteen elements' profiles of legumes and oilseeds, of various geographical origins, available on the Polish market. They were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS) and spectrophotometric method (phosphorus) in 90 analytical samples. In general, legumes were characterized with lower mean concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, P, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Cr than oilseeds. However, the concentrations ranges within each group differed significantly (\(p<0.05\)). Calcium content varied between 6.2 and 243.5 mg/100 g in legumes and 38.4 and 2003 mg/100 g in oilseeds. In the case of Fe, its concentration was between 1.99 mg/100 g and 10.5 mg/100 g in legumes, and 2.05 mg and 12.15 mg/100 g in seeds. All the samples were characterized with Pb concentration below the LOQ (30 mg/100 g). In the case of Cd, its presence (>LOQ, 9 mg/100 g) was confirmed in one sample of legumes (soybean) and five samples of seeds (poppy seeds, roasted linseeds, hulled wheat, linseed, and sunflower seeds). The detected Cd content in every sample, except for soybean and hulled wheat, exceeded the permissible European standards. According to Kruskal-Wallis test results, Mg, Na, K, P, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Cd content depended on the type of the analyzed product, while in the case of botanical provenance such relationship was recorded for most of the analyzed components, except for Fe, Cr, and Co. Factor and cluster analyses classified the analyzed samples in view of their botanical species and type based on their mineral composition.  
legumes; oilseeds; minerals; toxic metals; chemometric analysis +
Footnote †: journal: Medical  
metals' concentrations in plants such as soil temperature, pH, fertility, reductive-oxidative conditions, and the content of organic matter in the soil, as well as plant species [8]. However, due to the anthropogenic activity of humans, there can be observed a certain increase in heavy metals levels both in the environment and plants, thus, food products. Heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), are among the major contaminants of food products. Cd bioavailability is relatively low (3-5%) and depends on the nutritional status (low body Fe stores) of the body, as well as multiple pregnancies, preexisting health conditions, or diseases. However, Cd is accumulated in the kidney and liver in the human body, with a half-life ranging from 10 to 30 years [9]. Lead accumulates in the body, primarily in the skeleton with a half-life in bones between 10 and 30 years [10]. To protect consumers, World Health Organization (WHO) introduced Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake (PTMI) for Cd, which is set at 25 \(\upmu\)g/kg b.w./month [11]. In the case of Pb, its Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) was found no health-protective, thus, it was withdrawn. Due to their toxicity, Pb and Cd levels should be constantly monitored in food products.  
The study aimed to estimate and compare essential elements contents (P, Mg, Ca, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Mn) and toxic heavy metals contents (Pb, Cd) in legumes and oilseeds available on the Polish market, but of different provenances. Furthermore, the contribution of these products to daily metal intakes and health risks associated with Cd and Pb intakes were assessed. Moreover, based on elemental profiles it was possible to differentiate chemometrically legumes and oleic seeds samples and classify them in view of their species and type characteristics.