Bioconcentration and translocation of elements from soil to vegetables and associated health risk

Abstract

This study provides valuable insights into the bio-concentration and translocation of elements from soil to plants, addressing potential health risks associated by the neutron activation analysis. The results showed that arsenic (As) and Zinc (Zn) concentrations in the soil were higher than national regulations for heavy metals in agricultural soil in Vietnam but remained within permissible limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Different plant species show varying affinities for the accumulation of elements, indicating their potential use for specific remediation purposes. Rainbow beet (Beta vulgaris) were considered for phytoextraction of cesium (Cs), chromium (Cr), and aluminum (Al). Bioconcentration factors (BCF) for both root and shoot tissues for all elements were lower than unity (except manganese (Mn 1.04)). This suggests that green lollo rossa has the potential to accumulate Mn in its root system. The target hazard quotient ranged from 0.01 for antimony (Sb) to 0.26 for chromium (Cr). This study indicated that the vegetables investigated in the study area do not pose a risk to consumers for the analyzed potential toxic elements.