Elemental analysis of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) using atomic absorption spectrometer

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Watermelon) belongs to Cucurbitaceae family. Watermelon can be correctly referred as either fruit or vegetable. The watermelon has attracted attention of many researchers due to various kinds of its medicinal properties. A watermelon has basically four parts as rind, white flesh, red flesh and seed. There are a number of varieties of watermelon in which the central ripped part may be dark red, light red, pink, or yellow. The new variety is watermelon is also available without seed or very few seed called seedless watermelon. In the present investigation the dark red flesh variety of watermelon was chosen. Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn were investigated in rind, white flesh, dark red flesh and seed. It was found interesting that the amount of calcium (Ca) in all these four parts was very high and highest in the white flesh (unripped) of watermelon.