Content of micronutrients, mineral and trace elements in some Mediterranean spontaneous edible herbs

Abstract

Background: The analysis of mineral elements composition was determined in three wild edible herbs (Cichorium intybus L., Sonchus asper L. and Borago officinalis) collected in seven different sampling sites which were characterized by different pollution grade. The detection of mineral elements (Ca, K, Mg and Na), micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Li, Mn and Zn) and heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, Ni and Pb) was performed.

Results: The results obtained show that in most cases a direct relationship appeared between the amount of elements and the sampling sites. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in samples grown in polluted soils. These evaluations showed that contaminants in plants may reflect the environmental state in which they develop.

Conclusion: The examined species are a good source of mineral elements and micronutrients, making them particularly adapt to integrate a well-balanced diet. The accumulation of heavy metals showed that contaminants in plants may reflect the environmental state in which they develop. Results showed high concentrations of heavy metals in samples taken in locations characterized by high human activity and in some samples from the local market, of which no one knows the collection area.

Keywords: Edible; Food analysis; Heavy metals; Micronutrients; Mineral elements; Pollution; Wild herbs.

Fig. 1

Concentration of As in three different wild herbs (mean ± SD) for each sampling site; for each wild herb different lower case letters indicate significant (p < 0.05)

Fig. 2

Concentration of Cd in three different wild herbs (mean ± SD) for each sampling site; for each wild herb different lower case letters indicate significant (p < 0.05)

Fig. 3

Concentration of Hg in three different wild herbs (mean ± SD) for each sampling site; for each wild herb different lower case letters indicate significant (p < 0.05)

Fig. 4

Concentration of Ni in three different wild herbs (mean ± SD) for each sampling site; for each wild herb different lower case letters indicate significant (p < 0.05)

Fig. 5

Concentration of Pb in three different wild herbs (mean ± SD) for each sampling site; for each wild herb different lower case letters indicate significant (p < 0.05)

Fig. 6

Geographical area sampling of analyzed herbs