Macro-mineral concentration analysis of Acacia ehrenbergiana (Salam) from the origin of Fujairah, UAE, with staple food items as a mineral rich dietary supplement for arid and semi-arid lands of the w

Authors: Wesayef Saeed Obaid Fares Al Dahmani, Shaher Bano Mirza*, Muhammed Sirajul Huda Kalathingal, Fouad Lamghari Ridouane.

The tree of acacia ehrenbergiana.

Abstract:

Background: Acacia ehrenbergiana is native plant of the Emirates of Fujairah, UAE. It’s qualities of being salt tolerant and coping up with harsh condition makes it prime focus and one of the priority plants for the Higher authorities in Fujairah.

Methods: The following study has assessed the nutritional values of Acacia ehrenbergiana and its comparison with staple foods used around the world. Proximate analyses were determined by international standard procedures (Association of Official Analytical Chemists, AOAC 2001.11, AOAC 920.39, AOAC 962.29, AOAC 942.05). Mineral ICP-OES vegetation mapping NVDI done using data from Sentinel2 satellite.

Results: The study highlighted the importance of this native plant as a potential source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium with higher values of these minerals as compared to the wheat, rice, soyabean and chickpeas. Expansion of vegetation has also been mapped which provide useful insight into the potential of Fujairah’s landscape in mass production of Acacia ehrenbergiana.

Conclusion: Results shows that the Acacia ehrenbergiana is agro-economically favorable plant with nutritional values similar and mineral values higher than the widely used staple food crops. Moreover, the expansion of agriculture area in Fujairah provides more hope in expanding the production of Acacia ehrenbergiana and its use on industrial level to produce food items or dietary supplement as economically viable solution to malnutrition in world.

Reference: https://www.als-journal.com/9423-22/.