The content of metals and metalloids in bulbs of different genotypes of Allium species

Abstract

In this research, we examined the effect of 15 genotypes of selected Allium species: A. sativum L. (10 genotypes), A. ampeloprasum L. var. ampeloprasum (3) and A. cepa L. (2), on the content of metals and metalloids in bulbs. Determination of the content of elements was performed using the method of atomic absorption spectroscopy and ICP-OES method (mg/kg of dry matter). This research found that all tested genotypes differed statistically significantly in the content of Na, K, Ca and Mg both from each other and within the species. The highest content of Na, K, Ca and Mg was established in A. sativum, while the lowest content were observed in onion (A. cepa). Genotypes of A. ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum contained moderate amounts of Na, K, Ca and Mg. The content of certain metals was the same in all genotypes of the tested Allium species and was ˂ 0.01 mg/kg (Hg) and ˂ 0.5 mg/kg (Hg, Co, Ni and Mo). The species A. ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum showed the highest affinity for Cd accumulation in bulbs, followed by A. sativum and A. cepa.