Accumulation of copper in tissues of Sonchus arvensis L. grown in copper-polluted soil

Copper (Cu) contamination in agricultural soils poses environmental risks and potential health hazards through food-chain transfer. Sonchus arvensis L., a widely consumed medicinal plant, has not been fully assessed for its capacity to accumulate heavy metals. This study investigated whether the species exhibits sufficient tolerance and uptake ability to evaluate its safety implications for human consumption while also assessing its ability to function as a phytoremediation agent. S. arvensis was cultivated in soils spiked with graded Cu concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg). Morphological responses, Cu partitioning between roots and shoots and phytoremediation ability were measured to determine its remediation potential. The plant survived across all treatments, showing dose-dependent stress symptoms but maintaining structural viability. Copper accumulation followed a clear pattern of root greater than shoot across all concentrations. Removal efficiency reached up to 43 % within 14 days, indicating rapid metal sequestration and demonstrating the species’ potential for phytostabilisation. However, Cu concentrations in aerial tissues exceeded international food safety limits (WHO) even at the lowest contamination level. These findings highlight a dual implication: S. arvensis is a promising, cost-effective candidate for stabilising Cu-contaminated soils, yet its ability to accumulate Cu in edible parts presents significant safety concerns. Regulation of its harvest in polluted environments is therefore essential.