Levels of selected metals in the Fard cultivar (date palm)

Abstract

Concentrations of Ag, Al, Ba, Be, Ga, La, Mo, Se, Si, Tl, and V in the date palm (Fard cultivar) were investigated. The study revealed that Ba and La levels in the leaves and Tl levels in the fruit were similar to those in the soil, implying that the date palm could act as an indicator species for these elements. In addition, accumulation of Ag, Ba, and La in the dates was observed. Furthermore, there may be a connection between the presence of Ag, Ba, La, Se, Tl, in the date palm tissues and the alternate bearing effect.