*4.8. Meso and Micro Elements*

Meso and micro element (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and P) concentrations were determined on oven-dried samples (80 ◦C for 48 h). Samples of 300 mg of dry matter were mineralized at 120 ◦C in 5 mL of 14.4 M HNO3, clarified with 1.5 mL of 33% H2O2, and dried at 80 ◦C. The mineralized material was solubilized in 5 mL of 1 M HNO<sup>3</sup> and filtered on a 0.45 µm nylon membrane. Mineral elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS; Varian 820-MS, ICP Mass Spectrometer). Concentrations of mineral elements were expressed on a dry weight basis.
