INVESTIGATION OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF ELEMENTAL CONTAMINANTS IN VARIOUS MORPHOLOGICAL PARTS OF THE PUMPKIN BY INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRY

Abstract

The main purpose of the investigation was to compare by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry the accumulation of elemental contaminants Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, V, Zn in the row roots - stems - leaves - peel - pulp - pumpkin seeds. It was found that Hg and Tl are absent in all objects of research at a level of sensitivity of the method. According to the degree of extraction by pumpkin roots from the soil the elements are arranged in the following order: Cd<Pb<Mn<Sr<Cr<As<Ni<Zn<Co<Cu<Fe<Al<Mo<V. V, Mo, Al, Fe are most vigorously accumulated by the roots, the average value of the bioconcentration factor of these elements is more than 100. It was found that pumpkin can limit entry of toxic and potentially carcinogenic elements into aboveground organs by accumulating them mainly in the roots. Values of the element’s translocation factors Al, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, V for the stems, peel, pulp and seeds of pumpkin irrespective of the places of collection are less than 1, which means that a barrier type of accumulation is characteristic for the studied elements. It is concluded that pumpkin is an expeller of these elements and possesses protective mechanisms preventing their entry from the root system into the above-ground organs of the plant. The highest transport mobility belongs to Zn, its concentration in the seeds is higher than in other above-ground parts of the pumpkin. On this basis pumpkin seeds are recommended for use as a bioactive supplement. Species of pumpkins influence the distribution of the studied elements in the above-ground parts of this plant.