Abstract

Malva sylvestris L. is a widely consumed edible-medicinal plant growing all around the world. The aim of our study was the determination of the concentration levels of heavy metals in M. sylvestris L. samples and their extracts from polluted and non-polluted locations in Nis, Republic of Serbia. The analysis of heavy metals was performed by the AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) method from soil, plants, and extracts. The heavy metals content (Fe, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cd) in the soil and plants from the contaminated site is increased, but the coefficients of metal uptake are not significantly different in plants from polluted and non-polluted areas. The highest content of metals was found in aqueous, then water-alcoholic, and the smallest content was determined in alcoholic solutions. The content of the tested metals is within the limits recommended by international organizations, so the plant and its extracts can be safely used.

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