Yusuf Ismail Koleleni
Physics Department, Muslim University of Morogoro, P.O. Box 1031, Morogoro, Tanzania.
In this post, we present a brief overview of our recently published book chapter titled “Geographical Variation in Mineral Composition of Tanzanian Ginger Roots Analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy”
The samples of ginger roots were brought from Kilimanjaro Region, Morogoro Region, Iringa Region, Mbeya Region and Kagera Region. The collected samples were free from visible defects or diseases to avoid any potential contamination that could affect the mineral analysis. The ginger root samples were then placed in clean, labelled polyethene bags to prevent contamination and keep samples from different locations separate, then kept in the refrigerator to maintain a temperature that minimises metabolic activity and preserves the integrity of the samples till the preparation day. Then the collected ginger root samples were cleaned, oven dried, ground to fine powder and diluted in concentrated acids.
Upon arrival at the laboratory, the ginger root samples were washed thoroughly with deionised water to remove soil and other surface contaminants. Stored ginger root samples were removed from refrigeration and allowed to equilibrate to room temperature. The roots were cut into small pieces and dried in an oven at 60°C in a clean, dust-free environment for 24 hours to ensure complete removal of moisture, prevent any microbial growth and ensure consistency in the sample’s weight.
The dried samples were then stored in sealed polyethene bags at a temperature of 4°C until analysis. This preservation method was critical to prevent microbial growth and enzymatic activities that could alter the mineral composition of the samples. Once dried, the ginger pieces were ground using a laboratory mill into a fine powder. The grinding process was critical to achieve a homogeneous sample that ensures uniform mineral extraction during the subsequent digestion process.
