The accumulation of heavy metals in rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum L.)

Abstract

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum L.) is a perennial plant, adapted to cold and temperate climate, less spread crop in Romania. Due to the fact, in some areas of our country, rhubarb found favorable conditions for growth and development (Transylvania, Moldavia), the culture of this species require special attention in terms of sustainability. Through the application of differentiated technology, the content of organic acids, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and contaminants differs of the cultivar and the harvesting period. Based on these considerations, the aim of the present study was to highlight the content of any heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb), in two cultivars of rhubarb. In all samples, the Cd content was below the detection limit of the device (<10 ppm). The highest accumulation of heavy metals in the petioles of rhubarb was achieved in cultivar Glaskins perpetual which was planted at distances of 1,1 m x 0,75 m, with a density of 12120 pl/ha, as: Cu – 36 ppm/100 fresh weight; Zn – 166 ppm/100 g fresh weight and Pb – 18 ppm/100 g fresh weight.