Abstract:A total of 128 melon samples harvested in five provinces were quantitatively analyzed for 13 mineral elements using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, following the GB 5009.268-2016 standard. Next, the characteristic mineral elements in samples from each province were identified using orthogonal partial least squaresdiscriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), correlation analysis, and percentage contribution to recommended nutrient intake (RNI). With reference to the RNI values of corresponding elements specified by the Chinese Nutrition Society, the mineral nutrient levels in different populations were analyzed and evaluated. The results show that the levels of B, Fe, Sr, Mn, and Zn differed most among the five provinces (VIP>1), with the difference in B being the most prominent (VIP>2, P<0.001 for betweengroup differences). The highest levels of B, Fe, Sr, Mn, and Zn were identified in Jiangsu (18.569 mg/kg), Hainan (8.178 mg/kg), Inner Mongolia (5.098 mg/kg), Hainan (2.302 mg/kg), and Hainan (3.662 mg/kg), respectively. The elements with the highest percentage contribution to RNI in Guangxi, Hainan, Hebei, Jiangsu, and Inner Mongolia were Sn, Mn, Mo, Zn, and Fe, respectively. Furthermore, Mn, Zn, Fe, and Sn had the highest percentage contribution to RNI in children, male adult, and female adults in Hainan and Guangxi. Overall, these findings serve as a reference for identifying region-specific dominant mineral elements in melons from the five provinces. Dietary recommendations about melons from the five provinces are provided according to the dietary needs of different groups, aiming to support regional brand development and enhance the quality and efficiency of melon production.
