The contents of heavy metal (Pb, Cd and Zn) in plant Taraxacum officinale Weber

The species of Taraxacum officinale Weber (Asteraceae) is a very popular medicinal and edible herb. Since time immemorial have been used in traditional phytotherapy in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B-H) [1]. The young shoots and inflorescences are used as health food [2].

Dandelion is widespread. Most often inhabit different anthropogenic habitats that are loaded with different pollutants, including heavy metals [3]. This is a serious limitation for safe and sustainable use of this plant in medicine and dietetics. Investigation the content of heavy metals in roots and aerial part of the dandelion included 30 localities of B-H which are under different anthropogenic influence. Samples have been prepared using standard methods. Measurement of concentrations of heavy metals was carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

The content of heavy metals cadmium, zinc and lead in Taraxacum officinale varied depending on the vegetative part of plants, season, location, then the type of soil, the intensity of anthropogenic influences, soil pH, the interaction of the tested elements, climate conditions and other environmental factors.

The concentration of cadmium ranged from 0, 02–0,8mg/kg, the concentration of zinc was 30mg/kg to 100mg/kg. The concentration of lead varied from 0,1–10mg/kg. There are significant differences in the concentration of metals between the sites under severe anthropogenic pressure and a larger site outside the pollution. In many localities have been established concentrations that are not allowed.

References: 1. Redzic SS (2007) Coll Antropol 31: 869–890. 2. Redzic SJ (2006) Ecol Food & Nutr 45(3): 189–232. 3. Redzic S et al. (2009) Planta Med 75: 902–902.