ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF STAPLE CEREAL CROPS GROWN IN THE MAIN ETHIOPIAN RIFT VALLEY

This study aims to assess the distribution of toxic and essential elements, measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), in teff ‘an indigenous cereal’, wheat, and maize consumed by populations in the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley. We found significantly higher mean concentrations (in mg/kg) of Mg (1270), Ca (1210), Na (33), Fe (159), Mn (71), and Cu (4.8), in teff compared to wheat and maize. While Maize had the lowest concentrations of essential elements, wheat contained higher Zn (31 mg/kg). Mean concentrations (in μg/kg) of As (24.7) and Pb (69.9) were higher in teff compared to wheat and maize. No Codex standards are established for total As in these cereal grains; however, Cd and Pb concentrations in our cereals were below the Codex standards established for cereal grains. This new information on elemental concentrations contributes to the nutritional database and food safety of these cereals in Ethiopia and beyond.