Elemental interaction analysis between Anthemis cretica subsp. anatolica (Boiss.) Grierson plant and soil

This study investigates the concentrations of macro and micronutrients in Anthemis cretica subsp. anatolica, a taxon whose ecological responses to edaphic conditions remain underexplored. Samples of plant and soil were obtained from Yuva village, Aksaray Province-Türkiye, in April 2023. Concentrations of Al, Ba, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, and Zn were determined using ICP-MS for plants and XRF for soils. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (v25). Results of the study showed that Al, Mn, and Ni concentrations in soils exceeded established optimal reference values. In plant tissues, levels of Al, Co, Cu, and Pb were within acceptable ranges, whereas Cr and Fe concentrations surpassed reference values. Additionally, Mn in stems and Zn in roots were below reference values, whereas Ni in leaves was elevated. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) values were calculated, with Ni and Cr showing high translocation to aerial parts. These findings suggest that A. cretica subsp. anatolica is tolerant to heavy metals and capable of both phytostabilization and phytoextraction.