Heavy Metal Contents of Malva sylvestris Sold asEdible Greens in the Local Markets of Izmir

AbstractMalva sylvestris is a widely consumed edible-medicinal plant with a natural distribution all around the world.The aim of this study is to determine the concentration levels of heavy metals, such as cadmium,chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc, in the M. sylvestris samples from different localmarkets in the province of Izmir, Turkey. The analyses of the heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, andZn was realized by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. At the end of the study, themean concentrations determined for the unwashed plant samples were as follows: The contents of Cd, Cr,Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn (μgg-1, dry weight) varied between 0.035 and 0.262, 0.247 and 1.133, 1.611 and43.27, 7.425 and 568.6, 0.340 and 57.61, 0.090 and 2.563, 0.032 and 1.712, and 5.309 and 75.47, respectively.For the washed plant samples, however, the contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn (μgg-1, dryweight) varied between 0.026 and 0.172, 0.153 and 0.462, 0.247-68.34, 7.407 and 187.5, 0.340 and 49.99,0.042 and 1.332, 0.005 and 0.502, and 5.314 and 60.37, respectively. The findings show that the heavy metalconcentrations of all the heavy metals determined in the washed plant samples were lower. Keywords: Malva sylvestris, heavy metal, wild edible plant, ICP-OES, Izmir.

İzmir Pazarlarında Satılan Malva sylvestris Örneklerinin Ağır Metal Birikim Değerleri

ÖzetMalva sylvestris, dünyada yaygın bir şekilde tıbbi ve yemeklik olarak tüketilen bir bitkidir. Bu çalışmadaİzmir’in çeşitli pazarlarında satılan M. sylvestris örneklerindeki kadmiyum, krom, bakır, demir, manganez,nikel, kurşun ve çinko birikim değerleri araştırılmıştır. Bitki örneklerindeki birikim değerlerinin tespitiICP-OES ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma sonunda yıkanmamış bitki örneklerindeki değerler Cd, Cr, Cu,Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb ve Zn için sırasıyla 0.035 ve 0.262, 0.247 ve 1.133, 1.611 ve 43.27, 7.425 ve 568.6, 0.340 ve57.61, 0.090 ve 2.563, 0.032 ve 1.712, 5.309 ve 75.47 (μgg-1, kuru ağırlık) arasındadır. Yıkanmış bitkiörnekleri için ise Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb ve Zn içeriği sırasıyla 0.026 ve 0.172, 0.153 ve 0.462, 0.247 ve68.34, 7.407 ve 187.5, 0.340 ve 49.99, 0.042 ve 1.332, 0.005 ve 0.502, 5.314 ve 60.37 (μgg-1, kuru ağırlık)arasındadır. Bulgular yıkanmış bitki örneklerindeki birikim değerlerinin tüm ağır metaller için daha düşükolduğunu göstermiştirAnahtar Kelimeler: Malva sylvestris, ağır metal, yabani yenilebilir bitki, ICP-OES, İzmir.

Unver MC, Ugulu I, Durkan N, Baslar S, Dogan Y (2015) Heavy Metal Contents of Malva sylvestris Soldas Edible Greens in the Local Markets of Izmir. Ekoloji 24(96): 13-25.

No: 96, 2015 13

Ekoloji 24, 96, 13-25 (2015)doi: 10.5053/ekoloji.2015.01

Received: 11.09.2014 / Accepted: 24.01.2015

Mehmet Cuneyt UNVER1, Ilker UGULU2, Nazmi DURKAN3, Suleyman BASLAR2, Yunus DOGAN2*

1Bozok University, Faculty of Education, Yozgat, TURKEY2Dokuz Eylul University, Buca Faculty of Education, Izmir, TURKEY3Pamukkale University, Faculty of Education, Denizli, TURKEY*Corresponding author: yunus.dogan@deu.edu.tr

INTRODUCTIONThere is a growing social concern about

environmental quality both on a global and localscale. It is connected with mounting evidence thatenvironmental pollution results in degradation ofsome ecosystems (Gadzala-Kopciuch et al. 2004).The natural environment, human health, andagricultural production efficiency are adverselyaffected by toxic chemical substances released intothe environment (Ugulu 2015a). Chronic toxiceffects of these substances are almost impossible tonotice at the initial stage of the process and may

become clear after many years (Alloway and Ayres1997). Therefore, the earlier they are noticed in theorigin of emission, the easier it is to solve theenvironmental problem.Biological monitoring isone of the chief methods used for the identificationof pollutants in an area, and it involves thesystematic use of plants and animals for obtainingquantitative information on the changes in theenvironment, often caused by anthropogenicactivities (Bargagli 1998). Biological responses areconsidered by some to be more explanatory thandata supplied by chemical or physical detectors since

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they allow for estimating the levels of pollutants aswell as the impact on biological receptors. Lower orhigher plants and mushrooms can act asbioindicators, biomonitors, and bioaccumulators(Aksoy et al. 1999, Skelly 2003, Chandra andKulshreshtha 2004, Calzoni et al. 2007, Dogan et al.2007, 2010, 2014, Aksoy 2008, Durkan et al. 2011,Ugulu et al. 2012, Petrova et al. 2013).

Anthropogenic activities affect all components ofthe biosphere and alter the normal biogeochemicalcycles (Ugulu 2015b). Heavy metal contamination,for instance, has increased sharply since 1900 andcauses major environmental problems worldwide(Prasad and Freitas 2003, Baslar et al. 2009). It posesserious problems and risks to human health,including decreased soil microbial activity andfertility, and causes yield losses because heavy metalscannot naturally degrade like organic pollutants andthey accumulate in the food chain as well (McGrathet al. 1995, Smejkalova et al. 2003). Theaccumulation of heavy metals in the tissues ofearthworms is considered a helpful indicator ofenvironmental contamination (Kacalkova et al.2009).

Metals such as Cr, Mn, Zn, and Cu are usuallyfound in low concentration in green plants, whichdoes not affect the health of the organisms in thefood chain (Saglam 2013). However, in industrial,urban, and roadside areas, their concentrations inplants may increase up to a level that poses risks forthe health of living organisms (Elekes et al. 2010).This is because of the high tolerance of some plantsspecies for heavy metals and elements that the greenplants accumulate in the root and shoots, byvacuoles or metal chelation (Scragg 2005).Considering human health, the pollutants canproduce some effects like bodily with toxicsubstances, which can cause the malfunction ofrespiratory, glandular, digestive, and excretivesystems. If the pollutants’ action continues, they cancause abnormal reflexes, a decrease in work capacity,and affect mood and sleep. In addition, the illness indifferent organs can worsen, and chronic diseasesand cancerous tumors (Mates et al. 2007) mayappear. Therefore, it is necessary to examine theconcentration level of metals and the accumulationof heavy metals in edible plants. The body ofresearch around the world on important edibleplants in this regard seems to support this importantpoint (Lockett et al. 2000, Almela et al. 2006,

Kachenko and Singh 2006, Kulkarni et al. 2006,Madejon et al. 2006, Aberoumand and Deokule2009, Bo et al. 2009, Hicsonmez et al. 2009,Bhowmik and Datta 2012, Bvenura and Afolayan2012, Osma et al. 2012a, 2012b, Pytlakowska et al.2012, Soylak et al. 2012, Subramanian et al. 2012,Ugulu 2012, Xiong et al. 2012).

In this perspective, the purpose of this study isthe determination the levels of heavy metals such ascadmium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese,nickel, lead, and zinc that are concentrated in theMalva sylvestris L. (common mallow) samples sold indifferent local markets of Izmir, Turkey and thecomparison with the maximum recommended bythe Food and Agriculture Organization, WorldHealth Organization (Anonymous 2001), the WorldHealth Organization and European Union(Anonymous 1983), and Turkish Regulations(Anonymous 2002). Additionally, a comparisonbetween the level of heavy metals in washed plantsamples and unwashed plant samples will be carriedout to underline the potential danger of heavymetals in the consumption of wild edible andmedicinal plants.

Use of Malva sylvestris as a Food andMedicine

Malva sylvestris stands out from the numerousspecies used in traditional medicine and food due toits variety of uses. Its consumption is reported tohave originated in 3000 BC and archaeologicalstudies have shown evidence of M. sylvestris seeds inthe dental calculus of human fossils in the region ofSyria. The researchers concluded that theconsumption of this species is long establishedbecause it is an edible plant and likely to possessmedicinal properties (Gasparetto et al. 2012).

Common mallow, a wild medicinal plant, wasused in traditional herbal medicine andphytotherapy and for some cosmetic treatments.The roots, shoots, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seedsare prepared and used as infusions, decoctions,poultices, liniments, lotions, and used as bath andgargle additives. The common mallow istraditionally used for the treatment of specificdisorders of several body systems, such as thedigestive system, the respiratory, the genitourinary,the muscular and skeletal system, as well as skindisorders, and injuries. The common mallow isconsidered to have diuretic, laxative, expectorant,sedative, spasmolytic, choleretic, anti-ulcerogenic,

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Heavy Metal Contents of Malva sylvestris Sold in Izmir Eko lo ji

antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, andantitussive effects. It is used for stomachache, sorethroat, gingivitis, abscesses, toothache, and as anastringent for acne, for skin care as an antiseptic,emollient, and demulcent. The whole plant showstherapeutic properties, but, general pharmacologicaleffects of M. sylvestris are assigned especially to theleaf and flower, because of some flavonoids andmucilage’s in these parts (Dogan et al. 2004, Kulturet al. 2007, Ugulu et al. 2009, Barros et al. 2010,Ugulu and Baslar 2010, Marouane et al. 2011,Tabaraki et al. 2011, Gasparetto et al. 2012, Doganand Ugulu 2013).

M. sylvestris, known as “ebegümeci” (in Turkish),is one of the most widely consumed wild plants inthe study area, as well as in other parts of Turkey, theBalkans, and all of the Mediterranean Basin. Theplant is cooked with minced meat or olive oil,prepared as a soup, put in pastry, or fried with otherherbs. In the Aegean part of Turkey, it is usuallyeaten in pastry and consumed as sarma. Apart fromthis type of use, common mallow is consumed rawin salads in Northern Italy and Lebanon. Immaturefruits are sucked or chewed by children, shepherds,and hunters (Batal and Hunter 2007, Barros et al.2010, Dogan 2012, Dogan et al. 2013, 2015, Mattaliaet al. 2013, Nedelcheva 2013, Dogan andNedelcheva 2015, Pieroni et al. 2015).

MATERIALS AND METHODSGeneral Characteristics of the SpeciesMalva sylvestris L. (Malvaceae) (common mallow)

is naturally distributed in Europe, Northern Africa,and Asia, but as a weed in most parts of the world. Ithas been introduced to and has become naturalizedin Eastern Australia and North America. The speciesis a herbaceous plant and perennial to biennial in thestudy area, whereas, annual in North Africa.

The flowering of the M. sylvestris is between 5-10months. The species spreads naturally in scrubs,fields, open places, also on waste and rough ground,by roads and railways throughout lowland areas inthe distribution areas (Davis 1967, Barros et al.2010, Tabaraki et al. 2011).

Study AreaIzmir Province, which is located (26° 15'-28° 20'

E and 37° 45'-39° 15' N) in the Aegean subdivision(one of seven subdivisions of Turkey), is comprisedof 28 districts (Table 1). The population of Izmir,Turkey's third largest city, is 3.370.866 and it is thecountry's second largest port after Istanbul. Izmir

city covers approximately 11.973 km2 in the WestAnatolian part of Turkey (Fig. 1). The city issurrounded by the Aegean Sea to the West, Balıkesirto the North, Manisa to the East and Aydın to theSouth.

Izmir Province is subject to the influence of theMediterranean climate, characterized by hot, drysummers and mild, rainy winters. According to thedata of the State Meteorology Department, July andAugust are the hottest and driest, while January andFebruary are the coldest months. Most of the annualprecipitation occurs in December and January in theform of rain. According to the long-term climatedata for Izmir, the average annual precipitation is950 mm, 77% of which falls during the winter. Theaverage maximum temperatures during the wintermonths vary between 12-14°C, the summermonths, June through September, bring averagedaytime temperatures of 28°C degrees or higher(Akman 1990), and a relative humidity of 58%(Anonymous 1990).

Study MaterialsSamples were collected from different local

markets of the research area during the spring of2012. During the process of collection, M. sylvestrissamples were assigned a number in the fieldnotebook and the name of the market and originwere noted. The recorded samples were collectedand placed in polyethylene bags with their numbers.All the polyethylene bags were washed with 5%nitric acid and distilled water and dried at roomtemperature before use.

Analysis ProcessTwo samples for each point were collected

during the collection of plant samples. One of thesamples was directly analyzed while the other wasfirst washed and then analyzed, the idea being thatplants are washed and consumed thereafter inhomes. Each plant sample was washed three timeswith tap water from the Izmir municipality. Thecomposition of tap water was determined with theconsideration that it could affect the heavy metalamounts that were to be identified in plants (Table1). It was seen that there was a possibility ofinteraction for Fe, but the level of Fe in the waterwas not high enough to significantly affect theaccumulation levels in plants.

After washing the identified plants, the washedand unwashed samples were dried at 50°C for 48hours. The dried samples were then kept in

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polyethylene bags until analysis. After drying, 25 mLof nitric acid was added to a 2 g dried sample. It was

heated slowly in a heater for 30 minutes and was leftto cool. Then 15 mL of perchloric acid was addedand boiled for about 1 hour in a magnetic heateruntil it became colorless. After cooling, 50 mL ofdeionized water was added. The samples were keptin polyethylene bottles at 4°C in a fridge untilanalysis (Durkan et al. 2011). Teflon wares andSuprapur Merc chemicals were used in the analyses.

The amounts of cadmium, chromium, copper,iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc weremeasured from some M. sylvestris samples collectedfrom the different local markets of Izmir. Theanalyses of the elements in the plants were carriedout by inductively coupled plasma optical emissionspectroscopy (ICP-OES; Perkin Elmer, Optima7000 DV). Finally, the accumulation levels of heavy

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Fig. 1. The map of the study area and local markets.

Table 1. The composition of tap water.

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metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were compatiblewith the recommended maximum tolerable levelsproposed by the Food and Agriculture Organizationand World Health Organization (Anonymous 2001),the World Health Organization and EuropeanUnion (Anonymous 1983), and Turkish Regulations(Anonymous 2002).

Statistical Data AnalysisThe statistical significance was determined by

Analyses of Variance (ANOVA). The ANOVAcomparisons were made in order to determinewhether there were any differences between theaverages of the unwashed and washed plants interms of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Znaccumulation levels. Differences at P<0.05 wereconsidered to be significant. The Statistical Packagefor Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in the analysisof variance for the data collected.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONThe heavy metal accumulation levels of the Cd,

Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn (μgg-1, dry weight(dw)) in the M. sylvestris samples collected from thedifferent local markets of Izmir are given in Tables 2and 3. A total of 38 plant samples were collectedfrom 19 different localities, two samples from eachlocation. They were divided into two groups andone group was analyzed as is (unwashed), while theother was analyzed after being washed. Theconcentrations of elements were determined byinductively coupled plasma optical emissionspectroscopy (ICP-OES; Perkin Elmer, Optima7000 DV). The following mean concentrations weredetermined for the unwashed plant samples: thecontents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn(μgg-1) ranged from 0.035 to 0.262, 0.247 to 1.133,1.611 to 43.27, 7.425 to 568.6, 0.340 to 57.61, 0.090to 2.563, 0.032 to 1.712, and 5.309 to 75.47,respectively (Table 2). On the other hand, for thewashed plant samples, the contents of Cd, Cr, Cu,Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn (μgg-1) ranged from 0.026to 0.172, 0.153 to 0.462, 0.247 to 68.34, 7.407 to187.5, 0.340 to 49.99, 0.042 to 1.332, 0.005 to 0.502,and 5.314 to 60.37, respectively (Table 3).

Cadmium is one of the elements of greatestenvironmental concern (Dogan et al. 2007). Themain sources of Cd emissions into the atmosphereinclude many industrial activities such as mining,ore dressing, smelting of nonferrous metals, Cdcompound production, battery manufacturingindustry and electroplating, combustion of fossil

fuels, iron and steel production, nonferrous metalsproduction, and municipal solid waste combustion(Kuriakose and Prasad 2008, Wei and Zhou 2008,Osma et al. 2012a). The mean Cd concentrations inunwashed and washed M. sylvestris samples collectedfrom the different local markets are shown in Tables2 and 3, respectively. As a result of themeasurements, the highest average value of Cdaccumulation was obtained from unwashed plantsamples collected from the Turgutlu District ofIzmir (Sample 9: 0.262 μgg-1) and the lowest valuewas found in the washed plant samples collectedfrom the Torbali District (Sample 4: 0.026 μgg-1).The highest measured Cd concentration was 52times greater than the Turkish Regulations (2002)for metals in vegetables (0.005 μgg-1), 13 times thelimit for food (0.02 μgg-1) Anonymous (2001), and26 times the limit for drinking water (0.01 μgg-1)Anonymous (1983).

Chromium is widely distributed in the earth’scrust, though usually at very low levels ofconcentration. It has many industrial uses, both inits metallic form and in various compounds (Reilly2004). The main sources of exposure to toxic formsof Cr are dyes and leather tanning, when wastes aredischarged directly into streams, either as liquids oras solids (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias 2001, Shanker2005, Avino et al. 2008). The mean Crconcentrations in the washed and unwashed plantsamples are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The highestaverage Cr accumulation was in the unwashedsamples collected from the Menemen District(Sample 15: 1.133 μgg-1) while the lowest was in thewashed samples collected from the Bayındır District(Sample 7: 0.153 μgg-1). The highest value of 1.133μgg-1 Cr was 11 times higher than the limit (0.01μgg-1) Anonymous (1983), which was the onlyconsumption threshold identified for this study.

In nature, copper occurs naturally in rocks,water, and air and it is essential for the normalgrowth and metabolisms of all living organisms(Kanoun-Boule et al. 2008). It is present naturally inthe environment in the elemental form, but most ofthe commercial production comes from sulfides andoxide minerals (Georgopoulos and Roy 2001). Cu isstill widely used for electrical equipment,construction, such as roofing and plumbing, andindustrial machinery, such as heat exchangers andalloys. Cu has also a wide range of other applicationsin agriculture (nutrients, pesticides, and fungicides),

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wood preservation, and medical applications(Kanoun-Boule et al. 2008, Osma et al. 2012a). Inthe study area, results showed that the maximumconcentration of Cu was 68.34 μgg-1 in the washedplant samples (Sample 11: Kemalpasa) while thelowest concentration was 0.247 μgg-1 in anotherwashed M. sylvestris sample (Sample 5: Menderes).The highest measured Cu concentration of samplescollected in this study (68.34 μgg-1) was approxi-mately 14 times greater than the limit (5 μgg-1)Anonymous (2001). However, Cu levels in allsamples except unwashed sample 11 (Kemalpasa)fell between the lowest and highest concentrationsof the range provided by Anonymous (2002) formetals in vegetables.

Iron is one of the principle elements in theEarth's crust (Baslar et al. 2005). This element isthought to bind to soil particles and thereforeatmospheric deposition is not the sole source (Uyaret al. 2009). Although the steel industry, coalburning, and intensive traffic can be the mainemission sources, soil dust, especially in agriculturalregions may also have an impact (Ruhling andSteinnes 1988). The mean Fe concentrations of thewashed and unwashed M. sylvestris samples are

shown in Tables 2 and 3. The highest average valueof Fe accumulation was obtained from theunwashed plant samples collected from the Mene-men District of Izmir (Sample 15: 568.6 μgg-1) andthe lowest value was determined in the washed plantsamples collected from the Menemen District(Sample 10: 7.407 μgg-1).

Manganese is an essential element for plantgrowth, though it is required only in a smallquantity. It is also an important element from thepoint of view of biochemical activity, since itassociates with an antioxidant enzyme superoxidedismutase. Kulkarni et al. (2006) showed that Mnconcentration increases in the plant growth periodin both shoots and roots. As a result of themeasurements, the maximum concentration of Mnwas 57.61 μgg-1 in unwashed M. sylvestris samples(Sample 18: Bayindir) while the lowestconcentration was 0.340 μgg-1 in unwashed andwashed plant samples (Sample 16: Kemalpasa, andSample 6: Turgutlu, respectively).

Nickel is an abundant element naturally foundin soil, water, and food (Nriagu 1979). Naturalsources of atmospheric nickel are dusts fromvolcanic emissions and the weathering of rocks and

Table 2. Accumulation values of heavy metals in the unwashed samples of common mallow.

*Market code: (■): Buca-Heykel, (□): Yeşilyurt, (▲): Karşıyaka, (●): Güzelbahçe, (▼): Şirinyer

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soils, while natural sources of aqueous nickel arederived from biological cycles and solubilization ofnickel compounds from soils (Kasprzak et al. 2003,Shanker 2008). The main sources of nickel are oiland coal burning, the steel industry, and smelters(Otvos et al. 2003) and it is readily absorbed byplants (Gune et al. 2004). The mean Niconcentrations in the washed and unwashed M.sylvestris samples are shown in Tables 2 and 3. Theresults were as follows; the highest average Ni wasmeasured in Buca (Sample 2: 2.563 μgg-1) withunwashed samples while the lowest was measuredagain in Buca (Sample 3: 0.042 μgg-1) but in thewashed samples. The highest measured Niconcentration of 2.56 μgg-1 was 12.8 timesAnonymous (2001) and Anonymous (1983) limits(0.2 μgg-1) and 25.6 times Anonymous (2002) formetals in vegetables.

Lead can be found in small amounts in theearth’s crust, existing in different chemical forms:metallic (pure metal), inorganic compounds, such aslead oxide, lead sulfate, lead chromates, leadsilicates, lead arsenates, and lead chloride, as well asorganic compounds, such as tetraethyl lead (Avinoet al. 2008). It has been mined since ancient times

and was known to be toxic even then (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias 2001). The world productionamounts to millions of tons and is used in themanufacture of accumulators, batteries, solders,pigments, cables, ceramics, soldering and buildingmaterials (because of its excellent resistance tocorrosion), antirust agents (red lead/lead oxide), andleaded petrol (Osma et al. 2012a). Additionally,some fertilizers used in many countries also containlead (Avino et al. 2008). In the study area, the resultsshowed that the maximum concentration of Pb was1.712 μgg-1 in the unwashed M. sylvestris samples(Sample 13: Karsiyaka) while the lowestconcentration was 0.005 μgg-1 in the washed Malvasamples (Sample 18: Bayindir). The maximum Niconcentration of 1.712 μgg-1 was in excess ofAnonymous (2001) limit, Anonymous (1983) limit,and Anonymous (2002) for metals in vegetables andfood.

Zinc is one of the heavy metals that are presentin all living structures, both in plants and animals(Yasar and Ozyigit 2009). It is a structuralcomponent of over 300 enzymes, important formetabolism of all macromolecules, metabolism ofnucleic acids, and metabolism of other minerals

Table 3. Accumulation values of heavy metals in the washed samples of common mallow.

*Market code: (■): Buca-Heykel, (□): Yeşilyurt, (▲): Karşıyaka, (●): Güzelbahçe, (▼): Şirinyer

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(Marmiroli and Maestri 2008, Yasar and Ozyigit2009). Zn is used in many industries, mainly ascorrosion protection on steel components and othermetals. It is an important component of variousalloys and is widely used as a catalyst in differentchemical productions (e.g., rubber, pigments,plastic, lubricants, and pesticides). The mean Znconcentrations in washed and unwashed M. sylvestrissamples are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The highestaverage value of Zn accumulation was obtainedfrom the unwashed plant samples collected from theBayindir District of Izmir (Sample 18: 75.47μgg-1) and the lowest value was determined in theunwashed plant samples collected from theKemalpasa District (Sample 16: 5.309 μgg-1). Thehighest Zn concentration of 75.47 μgg-1 was inexcess of Anonymous (1983) limit for metals invegetables and food.

Normal natural concentration intervals of heavymetals for land plants have been reported as Cd: 0.2-2.4 μgg-1, Cu: 2-20 μgg-1, Ni: 1-5 μgg-1, Fe: 70-700μgg-1, Pb: 1-13 μgg-1, Mn: 20-700 μgg-1, Zn: 20-400μgg-1 (Bowen, 1979; Osma et al. 2012a). For acomparison of our results with these findings, therewas no accumulation of heavy metals above normalpollution limits in plant samples taken from thestudy area, with the exception of Cu in some areas.There was accumulation of Cu above normalpollution limits only in plants taken from Torbali(Sample 4), Kemalpasa (Sample 11), and Bayindir(Sample 18 and Sample 19).

Upon comparison of the average accumulationlevels in washed and unwashed plants, it was seenthat accumulation was higher in unwashed plantsfor all heavy metals (Figs. 2 and 3). In order to testwhether the difference between washed andunwashed plants was statistically significant, anAnalyses of Variance (ANOVA) test was conducted.In the statistical analysis, comparison of the heavymetal pollution values of unwashed and washed M.sylvestris samples for Cr, Fe, Ni, and Pb wasmeaningful (p<0.05), while it was not for Cd, Cu,Mn, and Zn (Table 4). When the mean values ofheavy metal pollution in unwashed and washedplants were compared, the accumulation was higherin the unwashed plants for Cr, Fe, Ni, and Pb,where there was a statistically meaningfuldifference. This statistical finding shows thatwashing of wild edible and medicinal plants beforeconsumption will be beneficial in both the removal

of heavy metals from the plants, as well as theagricultural herbicide and pesticide residues.

Hicsonmez et al. (2009) carried out a studywhere they studied major and minor elements in M.sylvestris samples collected from five differentlocalities in Manisa (a neighboring city of İzmir),and they determined the minimum and maximumvalues for Cr (0.1-3.9 μgg-1), the minimum andmaximum values for Cu (5.6-10.3 μgg-1), theminimum and maximum values for Fe (40.7-106.3μgg-1), the minimum and maximum values for Mn(17.4-34.6 μgg-1), the minimum and maximumvalues for Pb (1.1-2 μgg-1), and the minimum andmaximum values for Zn (12.3-33.4 μgg-1), whilefinding no values for Cd and Ni. When our resultsare compared with those of Hicsonmez et al. (2009),who carried out their study with unwashed plants,

Table 4. The comparison of heavy metal contents found in the washed and unwashed samples of M. sylvestris.

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higher amounts of accumulation were seen insamples 4, 6, 11, 14, 17, 18, and 19 for Cu, allsamples except 16 for Fe, samples 1, 2, 9, 10, 17, and18 for Mn, samples 3, 9, 13, and 18 for Zn, and allsamples with an accumulation value for Cd and Ni.

CONCLUSIONThe study results show that heavy metal

concentrations in all washed plant samples werelower for all heavy metals. Considering the plant iswidely used by the locals as a food source, both freshand dried, and as a medicine, the importance ofwashing the plant before use is evident. However,the accumulation levels of some heavy metals likecadmium and chromium in all washed sampleswere in excess of the Food and AgricultureOrganization and World Health Organization(Anonymous 2001) limit, the World HealthOrganization and European Union (Anonymous1983) limit, and Turkish Regulations (Anonymous

2002) for metals in vegetables and food. For thisreason, washing the plants before use may not beenough for healthy consumption.

The fact that, the amount of heavy metals in thecollected samples is reduced after washing and theaccumulation levels in the unwashed samples werenot very high to begin with is positive results.Because the plant is widely distributed and grows inareas open to anthropogenic agents due to its ruderalnature, it poses a risk in terms of consumption.However, the results of our analysis show that theplants sold in the markets are mostly collected fromnon-risky areas. This is an important conclusion forthe consumers.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe authors would like to thank Betul Dogan for

her valuable help during the material collectionsfrom the open markets.

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Analytical Methods 2: 116-119.Akman Y (1990) Iklim ve Biyoiklim. Palme Yayın Dagıtım, Ankara.Aksoy A (2008) Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.): A possible biomonitor of metal pollution Pakistan Journal

of Botany 40(2): 791-797.Aksoy A, Hale WHG, Dixon JM (1999) Capsella bursa-pastoris L.. Medic. as a biomonitor of heavy metals.

The Science of the Total Environment 226: 177-186.Alloway BJ, Ayres DC (1997) Chemical principles of environmental pollution. Blackie-Academic, London.Almela C, Clemente MJ, Velez D, Montoro R (2006) Total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, lead and cadmium

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Poligon, Izmir.

Fig. 2. The comparison of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb accumulations in washed and unwashed samples of M. sylvestris.

Fig. 3. The comparison of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn accumulations in washed and unwashed samples of M. sylvestris.

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