title: Lead content in pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) inflorescences and leaves: impact of precipitations and vicinity of motorway.
abstract: Trace metal contamination is a major environmental and health problem virtually in all countries. The present study was aimed to estimate the lead content of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) inflorescences and leaves collected from a nonpolluted test field. The lead content in dry pot marigold inflorescences was 9.34 ± 0.79 µg/g, in dry leaves 11.57 ± 0.47 µg/g, and in soil 0.649 ± 0.012 µg/g. The distance of pot marigold collection beds (30-220 m from the motorway) had no effect on lead content. There was a strong positive correlation between the amount of precipitations and lead content of pot marigold leaves but not inflorescences indicating the soil as primarily the source of increased lead content. In conclusion, no effect of motorway vicinity was found for pot marigold inflorescences or leaves lead content; however, as a precaution, it is not recommended to collect the plants during or just after showers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Estonia.
authors.forename: Andres
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Meos
authors.forename: Tiiu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jüriado
authors.forename: Vallo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Matto
authors.forename: Ain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raal
mesh_terms: D020838:Calendula / Q000737:chemistry*; D056626:Inflorescence / Q000737:chemistry*; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D007854:Lead