Verbascum bombyciferum Boiss. (Scrophulariaceae) as possible bio-indicator for the assessment of heavy metals in the environment of Bursa, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, we determined the heavy metal content (Cd(2+), Cr(3+), Cu(2+), Fe(3+), Ni(2+), Pb(2+), and Zn(2+)) in the soil surrounding the roots and different organs of Verbascum bombyciferum Boiss. (Scrophulariaceae), which is endemic to Uludağ Mountain, Bursa, Turkey. Plant samples were collected from roadsides, and heavy metal accumulation capabilities were tested. This is one of the pioneer species of ruderal plant communities on roadsides, building sites, rubbish dumps, etc. Different organs of plant samples (roots, stems, leaves, and flowers) and their soils were analyzed by inductively couple plasma optical emission spectroscopy for their heavy metal contents. Some of the analyzed heavy metals (Cd(2+), Cr(3+), Pb(2+), and Zn(2+)) were usually increased depending on the traffic in the sample sites, and this variation was also reflected in heavy metal content of plant samples. Our results show that this plant can be used as a bio-indicator species in the monitoring of increased Cd(2+), Cr(3+), Pb(2+), and Zn(2+) in the environment. We also concluded that V. bombyciferum have the capability of Cd(2+), Cr(3+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Pb(2+), and Zn(2+) accumulation.

Phytoremediation potential of wild plants growing on soil contaminated with heavy metals

“…Mullein showed a decline in bioconcentration of the metals over the course of the study (Table 8) but it also showed increased translocation of Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, and As (Table 9), which means that it could be used for phytoextraction, as reported earlier (43)(44)(45). Due to a high biomass production, it can improve soil organic contentand serve for re-vegetation (45).…”

“…Due to a high biomass production, it can improve soil organic contentand serve for re-vegetation (45).…”

Copper and zinc concentrations of medicinal herbs and soil surrounding ponds on agricultural land

“…Medicinal and culinary herbs in Poland may be sourced from natural habitats, so their contents of heavy metals and other pollutants should be monitored to prevent their buildup in the organisms which consume them (Sembratowicz et al 2009;Ulewicz-Magulska et al 2009;Luginina and Egoshina 2013). The use of medicinal herbs is currently increasing, thus the monitoring of herbal materials should be more systematic, especially for medicinal plants sourced from the wild (Deng et al 2004;Garcia-Rico et al 2007;Arslan et al 2010). For example, despite their important functions in human metabolism, copper and zinc can be toxic when ingested at high doses (Gaetke and Chow 2003;Tapiero and Tew 2003;Yruela 2005;Sahoo et al 2010).…”

Sequential Determination of 13 Elements in Complex Matrices by Stripping Voltammetry with Mixed Complexing Electrolytes

“…Foodstuffs such as vegetables and animal tissues, fertilizers, and soils are matrices that have received analytical interest, owing to the potential risk for contamination in a systematic way because they are interdependent. Anthropic activities such as exhalations and wastes, agricultural applications, energy and fuel production, vehicle emissions, mining and smelting are among the many causes for the presence of toxic elements in these matrices 30–32. As they are present and are very stable in the environment, it is becoming an increasingly interesting area of study due to the possible cumulative effects in humans.…”