Neutron activation analysis of major and trace elements in Arabica and Robusta coffee beans samples consumed in Algeria

The Algerian neutron activation analysis laboratory is highly involved in nutrition applications in the framework of research activities using the Es-Salam research reactor. The main objective of this work is to contribute, by using nuclear analytical techniques, for studying a large number of natural food samples consumed in Algeria related to nutrition and human health. The present study focuses on the analysis of the most popular beans consumed worldwide, namely, the coffee species of Arabica and Robusta, based on the international markets. Chemical content of samples was assessed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and k₀-INAA techniques, through the irradiation of samples during 6 h at a thermal neutron flux of 4.5 x 10¹³ cm^-2 s^-1 of Es-Salam research reactor. A total of 17 elements were assessed such as, (Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, La, Na, Rb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Zn, Lu and Th) obtained by using INAA and k₀-INAA methods, While we used the radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA and k₀-RNAA) to determine Selenium at low level concentrations, the accuracy of the method was evaluated by analyzing CRM and SRM. QC/QA was evaluated by using the statistical parameter U-score. Results were compared with those obtained for samples from Brazilian, Caribbean, Indian and Kenyan coffee beans reported in the literature. The daily intake of essentials and toxic elements was determined and compared with the recommended values. The probable cumulative intake of toxic elements was found to be well below the tolerance limits.