Abstract:
Objective Heavy metal pollution in rhizosphere soil and its migration to the roots, stems, and leaves of ginseng plants grown on the land were studied.
Methods Contents of Al, V, Cr, Cd, Pb, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Ba in randomly collected 15 batches of ginseng specimens from three producing areas in Jilin Province were analyzed. Pollution of rhizosphere soil by Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn was evaluated using the single factor pollution index and Nemerow composite index methods. Accumulation of heavy metals in different parts of a ginseng plant was correlated with the pollution on the corresponding soil.
Results Of all the tested heavy metals, Al in the roots and stems/leaves of the ginseng plants was the highest pollutant in content. The variation coefficient on the roots ranged 12.07-58.43% and that on the stems and leaves 10.02-87.96%. Out of 15 rhizosphere soil samples, 13 were considered safe and clean, and two moderately clean with due warning, which contained a high level of Cd. The ginseng roots and stems/leaves were similar in accumulating the pollutants but significantly different on mean BCFs and all high on Cu, Zn, Ba, and Cd.
Conclusion It is crucial that ginseng be cultivated on land with stringent control on heavy metal pollution for safe consumption. Constant monitoring the soil conditions to avoid a high single factor pollution index on Cd was particularly important. The relationship between the heavy metals in ginseng plants and rhizosphere soil was complex, as certain synergistic and/or antagonistic effects might interfere with the absorption and transport of the harmful elements.
下载: