Heavy Metal Levels and Mineral Nutrient Status of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum L.) from Nigde, Turkey

Abstract

Lycium barbarum L. species have economic importance due to their medicinal properties and use as food. Therefore, this research aims to investigate some heavy metal and mineral nutrients (Al, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) status of this species. Heavy metals and mineral nutrients were analyzed in the plant and soil by using ICP-MS. In addition, the obtained results were evaluated with statistical methods. The determined values of the elementals (in mg/kg) were within ranges of 49.05-508.16 for Al, 1.8-82.58 for Ba, 0.62–2.56 for Cr, 0.11–1.05 for Co, 6.57–32.91 for Cu, 43.49-334.69 for Fe, 9.05-170.35 for Mn, 1.24–7.76 for Ni, 0.16–3.66 for Pb, and 15.89–62.27 for Zn in the plant parts. Correlation results were evaluated for the element contents in fruit-leaf-stem and soil samples. It is concluded that B, Al, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the soil positively correlated with Zn, Cr, and Fe found in the fruit and Ni, Zn, and Mn found in stem. Additionally, there is a significant negative relationship between Co and Cu in the soil and Co, Pb, and Ba elements in the leaves. The results of this study may contribute to future research to reach a better understanding on the element uptake and heavy metal accumulation status of species with nutritional and economic value. Moreover, statistical studies that consider the ecological and habitat characteristics of the plant will provide more detailed information about the life cycle of the plant.