Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Hydroponics: A Versatile System to Study Nutrient Allocation and Plant Responses to Nutrient Availability and Exposure to Toxic Elements
Published on: July 13, 2016
Content of micronutrients, mineral and trace elements in some Mediterranean spontaneous edible herbs
Maria Grazia Volpe1, Melissa Nazzaro1, Michele Di Stasio1
1Istituto di Scienze dell'Alimentazione, CNR, Via Roma 64, 83100 Avellino, Italy.
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.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Minerals
Major...
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Responses to Salt Stress
Microbial Leaching
Soil Microbial Ecology

