Exploring the Impact of Germination on the Macro, Micro and Toxic Element Contents of Kidney Bean and White Bean Seed Germinated at Different Sprout Lenghts

Calcium (Ca) was the least abundant macronutrient in both legumes. Potassium (K) contents in kidney bean and white bean samples ranged from 13,687.08 mg/kg (control) to 20,078.57 mg/kg (6 cm sprouts) and 3,601.90 mg/kg (3 cm sprouts) to 6,459.55 mg/kg (6 cm sprouts), respectively. Calcium contents ranged from 413.91 mg/kg (1 cm sprouts) to 693.78 mg/kg (control) in kidney beans, and from 386.18 mg/kg (1 cm sprouts) to 1,090.84 mg/kg (control) in white beans. The highest phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) contents were found in 6 cm germinated kidney bean (P: 8,095.27 mg/kg; K: 20,078.57 mg/kg; Mg: 1,523.34 mg/kg) and white bean (P: 21,475.71 mg/kg; K: 21,475.71 mg/kg; Mg: 1,169.34 mg/kg) sprouts. Iron (Fe) contents ranged from 39.60 mg/kg (control) to 55.51 mg/kg (6 cm) in kidney beans, and from 52.22 mg/kg (control) to 80.22 mg/kg (6 cm) in white beans, showing a gradual increase with sprouting. Copper (Cu) was the microelement present in the lowest amounts in both legumes. The highest concentrations of toxic elements were chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni). Lead (Pb) showed a slight increase with sprouting but remained below tolerable limits.