Phosphorus and iron content in apples in different sales channels
Date Issued
2025-10-01
Author(s)
Petek, Marko
University of Zagreb
Matilda Povodnik
University of Zagreb
Tomislav Karažija
University of Zagreb
Šatvar Vrbančić Mihaela
Ghent University, University of Zagreb
Tomaš Lošak
Mendel University in Brno
Fruk, Goran
University of Zagreb
Abstract
Phosphorus and iron are essential elements that are necessary for various functions of plants, but also for humans. The
apple, Malus × domestica Borkh., is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, also in Croatia. Since the mentioned
elements influence the growth and development of the plant and also have certain health effects on humans, the
presence of these elements in apples on the Zagreb market should be investigated. After collecting and sampling the
apples, the phosphorus content was determined by spectrophotometry and the iron content by atomic absorption
spectrometry. Apples from retail chains statistically have the highest average phosphorus content in dry matter (0.14 %
P DW), while apples from organic products stores statistically have the highest phosphorus content in fresh weight
(27.29 mg P/100 g fresh weight). As for iron, the statistically highest average content in both dry matter and fresh
matter was found in apples from retail chains (15.99 mg Fe/kg DM and 0.261 mg Fe/100 g fresh weight). These results
could be the consequences of conventional agriculture.
apple, Malus × domestica Borkh., is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, also in Croatia. Since the mentioned
elements influence the growth and development of the plant and also have certain health effects on humans, the
presence of these elements in apples on the Zagreb market should be investigated. After collecting and sampling the
apples, the phosphorus content was determined by spectrophotometry and the iron content by atomic absorption
spectrometry. Apples from retail chains statistically have the highest average phosphorus content in dry matter (0.14 %
P DW), while apples from organic products stores statistically have the highest phosphorus content in fresh weight
(27.29 mg P/100 g fresh weight). As for iron, the statistically highest average content in both dry matter and fresh
matter was found in apples from retail chains (15.99 mg Fe/kg DM and 0.261 mg Fe/100 g fresh weight). These results
could be the consequences of conventional agriculture.
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