Application of X-ray Spectroscopic Techniques to Determine the Inorganic Composition and Sulfur Chemical Speciation of the Amazonian Plant Bixa orellana
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Bixa orellana is a plant that has a variety of uses, such as applications in the food and cosmetic industries, as well as culinary uses, and body painting for Indigenous people. Despite its versatility, few studies have explored its inorganic composition, and its sulfur chemical speciation has only been assessed from the point of view of sulfurous amino acids. Here, we report on the inorganic composition of Bixa orellana fruits, pericarps, and seeds obtained using Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) and sulfur chemical speciation using X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES). Our results show that the seed is a source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. But also, the pericarp, which is considered waste, contains a high amount of nutrients. From the XANES measurements, the distribution of the oxidation state of the sulfur atom was obtained, and it was shown that although several oxidation states of sulfur are present, oxidized sulfur (sulfate) is the dominant form of sulfur in all samples.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app14177827
Language: English
Subfield: Radiation
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,728
Funders: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas, Universidad de la República Uruguay, Laboratório Nacional de Luz Síncrotron
OpenAlex ID: W4402186571