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Analysis of Mineral Elements of the Lichen Usnea Pictoides G. Awasthi by ICP-OES

K. S. VINAYAKA , T. R. PRASHITH KEKUDA

Mineral elements have profound influence on human health. In the present study, major and minor elements present in the lichen Usnea pictoides G. Awasthi (Parmeliaceae) have been estimated. The powdered lichen was digested with nitric acid in microwave digester. The elemental analysis was done using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopic technique (ICP-OES). Among major elements, the content of calcium and magnesium was highest and least, respectively. The content of iron and nickel was highest and least among minor elements estimated. On safety determination, the lichen may be used as a source of important mineral elements.