Macro- and microelement content of <i>Vaccinium vitis-idaea</i> (Ericaceae) leaves in Eastern Transbaikalia

Studies of the content of 47 elements in leaves of lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. in Eastern Transbaikalia revealed the specific features of their accumulation from the soil. Samples of leaves and the upper (0–20 cm) soil horizon were collected at 15 sample plots located at different distances from mining facilities; a background site close the Ingodinsky research station was selected as a control. The content of elements in plant samples and associated soils was analyzed by mass spectrometric method. It was found that in leaves of V. vitis-idaea the essential elements K, Ca, Mg and P predominate, and Mn, Fe, Al and Ba are dominating trace elements. The relatively low content of vital macro- and microelements, as well as Sr, Rb, Ti, Ni, Pb, V, Li, Zr, Ga and Y is characteristic for the elemental composition of V. vitis-idaea leaves at the studied territory, as compared to other regions of Russia. There is no significant correlation between the concentration of all the studied elements in plants and their gross content in associated soils. Leaves of V. vitis-idaea growing near mining facilities, meet the requirements for medicinal plant raw materials in terms of Pb, Cd, and Hg content, and in most tested areas in terms of As content.