Determination of heavy metals and trace element contents in Veronica grisebachii S. M. WALTERS

This study aimed to determine the concentrations of Al (aluminum), Ba (barium), Co (cobalt), Cr (chromium), Cu (copper), Fe (iron), Mn (manganese), Ni (nickel), Pb (lead), S (sulphur), and Zn (zinc) in soil and Veronica grisebachii S. M. WALTERS samples. The research focused on the heavy metal and essential nutrition element contents of these plant species. Plant samples were collected from southeastern Aksaray province, Türkiye, at the geographical coordinates 38°13'54.5"N 34°08'28.8" E and an elevation of 1276 m above sea level. Standard methods were used to determine the plant (root, stem, and leaf parts) and soil elements. The numerical values of essential elements and heavy metals in the species were quantified using ICP-MS. XRF device was also used to determine the elements in the soil. The results showed that the amounts of Cr, Cu, Fe Pb, S, and Zn in the soil were within the optimum range, while the concentrations of Al, Co, Mn, and Ni were above the optimum values. The levels of Al, Co, Mn, and Ni in the soil of the plant's natural habitat were above the reference values. This species has a high capacity to absorb and accumulate heavy metals such as Al, Co, Mn, and Ni from the soil.