The concentration of heavy metals including Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni and Fe in different parts of Rosmarinus officinalis medicinal plant grown in Jordan were evaluated. Medicinal plant samples and soil samples were collected from three different zones in Jordan (Irbid, Al-Mafraq and Ma'an). Samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after chemical treatments using acid digestion procedures. Heavy metal levels in washed and unwashed in each part of R. officinalis were analyzed and compared statistically. Results show that concentrations of investigated heavy metals were varied from plant part to another part of R. officinalis. For example, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd in most parts of R. officinalis in the three zones were concentrated in the following order: flowers, leaves, stems, whereas Pb, Ni and Fe were concentrated in order as follows: leaves, flowers and stems. Heavy metal concentrations in soil samples was evaluated and correlated with their levels in R. officinalis. Two standard reference materials of plant (SRM 1790a; spinach leaves and CRM 281; rye grass) and one standard reference materials of soil (GBW 07406) were examined to validate the method used. Results show that high recoveries were obtained.

Different parts of Ruta chalepensis L. medicinal plant and soil samples collected from three zones in Jordan (Irbid, Al-Mafraq and Ma'an) were analyzed for determination of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni and Fe by atomic absorption spectrometry. Heavy metal levels in washed and unwashed parts of R. chalepensis were evaluated and compared statistically. Results show that there was a variation in heavy metal concentrations related to washed and unwashed parts of R. chalepensis in the three zones. Moreover, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ni were concentrated in the following order:Two standard reference materials of plant (SRM 1790a; spinach, CRM 281; rye grass) and a standard reference material of soil (GBW 07406) were examined to validate the method used.Results indicate that high recoveries were obtained. Significant variation existed in metal content in different parts of Ruta chalepensis L. for the various locations (P ≤ 0.05).

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