Analysis of inorganic chemical composition of table and Himalayan pink salt by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF)

Anne Borges de Bastos1, Hugo Rafael do Amaral Carvalho1, Cláudia Cândida Silva1 and Lídia Medina Araújo2

1Grupo Crowfoot de Métodos de Raios-X. Escola Superior de Tecnologia, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas – UEA. Av. Darcy Vargas, 1200, CEP 69065-020, Manaus-AM. [email protected] 2Universidade Federal do Amazonas. Av. Rodrigo Otávio Jordão Ramos, 3000, CEP 69077-000, Manaus- AM. [email protected]

One of the main seasonings used in aliments consumed worldwide is the salt, also known as (ARAÚJO et al., 2012). The excessive consumption, however, caused an increase in the number of cardiovascular disease cases (NILSON et al., 2012). In the search for alternatives, the Himalaya’s pink salt stands out, because contains several nutrients, such as Fe, Ca and Mg, presenting high nutritional value and low content (RAHMAN et al., 2015). Thus, this research aims to determine the inorganic composition of the common salt and , by the Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) method, in order to compare them. The samples were prepared as pellets, in triplicate, using a pneumatic press. The WDXRF equipment, through a high-energy X-ray and a computer software, made the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The results showed that the major elements (Na and Cl) presented similar mass percent concentrations. 33.85% and 34.39% of ; 65.96% and 63.35% of sodium for the common and pink salt, respectively. The trace elements found in the samples are mainly related to the natural characteristics of the extraction zones. K, Fe, Br, Ca, Mg, Si, Al and S found in the pink salt are due to the abundance of Himalayan soil in ores that contains such elements. The existence of deposits of volcanic origin and factors associated with the formation of extraction mines also justify the presence of these metals (SHAH, 2009). In the common salt, Ca, Br, Al, Si, Fe and I were the trace elements found. These are in the composition of seawater, rich in carbonates and other , which is the condiment’s main source in Brazil; and in substances added for preservation or determined by the law during the manufacturing process (ARAÚJO, SOUSA and MUSSE, 2012). The qualitative and quantitative analysis showed some variations between the samples. However, multivariate exploratory analyzes are necessary to verify if there are significant differences and if the pink salt can serve as an alternative to replace the common one.

References

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