Abstract
ABSTRACT. This study was focused on investigation of amount of macro and trace metals present in the fruit samples of Rubus steudneri Schweinf plant and its underlying soil samples collected from Chencha, Dega Damot and Fiche areas of Ethiopia. The levels of selected metals (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) were determined by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy using wet-digestion technique. The validity of the method was checked by the analysis of spiked samples whose recovery was found in the range of 90.5-108%. The mean concentration of metals K, Mg, Fe, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd in the fruit samples were found in the range of 9463-9836, 973-1099, 328-639, 2663-2999, 29.6-52.8, 6.70-8.87, 128-639, 2.54-3.37 and 0.26-1.21 mg/kg, respectively. The level of metals in the soil samples were found in the range of 1375-1790, 1169-1388, 74951-104145, 2079-3502, 122-149, 21.6-40.4, 1359-1931, 7.11-17.0 and ND mg/kg, respectively. The accumulation factor values for the tested metals were found in the range of 0.003 (Fe) - 7.07 (K). The Rubus steudneri Schweinf fruit is good source of essential metals and useful to human health. However, the concentration of toxic metals viz. Cd and Pb were found in amount excess as compared to WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit.
 
 KEY WORDS: Rubus steudneri Schweinf, Wild edible plant, Fruit, Heavy metals, Soil, Ethiopia
 
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 217-228.
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.1
Highlights
Plants are the main sources for animal and human nutrition
The highest amounts of % organic matter and electrical conductivity were obtained in the soil of Dega Damot, whereas highest pH was found in Chencha soil
The bioavailability of metals in soil for the Rubus steudneri Schweinf grown were found in decreasing order of Chencha > Fiche > Dega Damot
Summary
Plants are the main sources for animal and human nutrition. Depending on different climates and cultures, a number of plant species have been used for different purposes. Toxic metals taken through wild edible plant might pose a significant health risks to all living organisms upon long term exposures [5]. Because of their non-biodegradability, long biological half-lives, potential to accumulate in different body parts added by their solubility in water, the possibility of these toxic metals causing deleterious health effects is quite high even at low concentration levels. They are known to have damaging effects on man and animals since there is no good mechanism for their elimination from the body [6].
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