Study on the Levels of Some Essential and Non-essential Metals in Four Different Varieties of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare l.), Grown at the Farm Site in Dale and Aletawondo Woredas, in Sidamo Zone, Ethiopia

A study was conducted to determine the concentration of essential and non-essential metal accumulation in four different barley varieties grown at the farm site in Dale and Aleta wondo woredas, in sidama zone, Ethiopia using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In this research wet ashing method used to destroy the organic matrix. The mineral concentration of four Ethiopian barley varieties was studied, namely: Semereta, Nech, Senef and Bera barley varieties. Among all the varieties; Semereta showed the highest K, Mg content (4434.86±176.92, 757, 57±36.43) respectively. Nech showed the highest Ca, Zn content (1347.48±483.1980.54±8.66) respectively. Senef showed the highest Cu, Ni content (6.88±0.52, 1.86±0.33). These results may be useful in the food industry for the selection of hull barley varieties for human consumption and for animal feed as supplement of grass. Validation of the method checked by using recovery test of the digestion method. Keywords: Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, barley, essential, non-essential, wet ashing method. DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/83-0