Features of heavy metal accumulation in Artemisia gmelinii growing in the Transbaikal Region

The study presents data on the peculiarities of accumulation of some chemical elements in soils and organs of Artemisia gmelinii, which grows in the Transbaikal Region (7 study sites).

The content of chemical elements in the studied samples was determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis. It has been established that the soils of the studied areas contain high concentrations of gross and mobile forms of elements, especially iron, manganese, zinc, titanium, and chromium.

Exceedances of the MPC for Cr in gross forms of the element have been recorded. Exceeding the clarke value for Mn, Zn, and Co in soils was observed at two study sites. According to the content of elements in the organs of the studied species as a whole it is possible to build a series: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ti > Cr > Cu > Ni > Co. Exceedances of the clarke value for iron, zinc, titanium, chromium, and nickel have been observed in above-ground plants. Zinc and copper are predominantly concentrated in the leaves of the species under study, while iron, titanium, chromium, and nickel are concentrated in the roots. The calculation of root barrier coefficients showed that most of the micronutrients have a barrier type of accumulation. Technogenic contamination of the studied species with chromium, nickel, iron, and titanium was detected. A direct relationship was found between the content of Co, Ni, and Cr in the soil and the plant.

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