First Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Characterization of Qurayyat Salt, a Traditional Saudi Salt

Salt is one of the most essential dietary and preservation substances used by human populations worldwide [1,2]. In Saudi Arabia, several traditional salt products have been used for hundreds of years in food preparation, meat preservation, and cultural culinary practices [3]. Among these products is Al Qurayyat salt, which is found in Al Qurayyat region in northern Saudi Arabia near the Jordanian border [4,5]. Traditionally, Al Qurayyat salt has been used in seasoning, preservation of meat and dairy products, and household food processing . Al Qurayyat city is historically recognized for trade routes and desert resources, including naturally occurring salt deposits in many places including Etra, Kaf, Menwa, Al-Qarqar and Ageeq [5,6]. Despite the cultural and commercial importance of this salt, there is currently no published data regarding its chemical composition, purity, mineral content, or heavy metal safety and potential health uses. The quality and safety of edible salts are influenced by several factors such as geological origin, processing methods, environmental contamination, and storage conditions. Evaluation of physicochemical parameters such as purity, moisture, insoluble matter, and mineral composition is therefore important for determining product quality and compliance with food safety standards. Also, monitoring heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium is necessary due to their potential toxicological effects on the health [7]. The present study aimed to provide a preliminary physicochemical and trace metal characterization of Al Qurayyat salt (ETR) and compare its values with commonly accepted commercial salt standards.

The current study provides the first preliminary chemical characterization of Al Qurayyat salt. The measured purity level suggests that the product possesses acceptable sodium chloride concentration comparable to several commercial salts available in regional markets. The relatively insoluble matter values further indicate reasonable product quality and processing. The absence of detectable iodine suggests that Al Qurayyat salt is naturally obtained without iodination processing. Since iodine fortification is commonly employed to reduce iodine deficiency disorders, consumers relying exclusively on non-iodized salt may require alternative dietary iodine sources [13].

Trace mineral concentrations observed in the present study were relatively low, which is expected for refined or semi-refined edible salts. Importantly, the detected heavy metal concentrations remained below commonly accepted safety limits, suggesting no immediate evidence of significant contamination in the analyzed sample.

The study is limited by analysis of a single sample and absence of microbiological or further elemental profiling. Future studies will include microbiological assessment, antimicrobial activity, analysis of multiple batches, seasonal sampling, and broader mineral characterization of Al Qurayyat salt.

This study presents the first reported physicochemical and heavy metal characterization of Al Qurayyat salt (ETR), a traditional salt product used in northern Saudi Arabia. The analyzed sample demonstrated high purity and heavy metal concentrations below common safety thresholds. However, iodine was not detected since it is naturally obtained. These findings establish baseline scientific data for future investigations into the nutritional, safety and potential health applications of Al Qurayyat salt.