SELMA MYSLIHAKA1, AIDA BANI1
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1Agricultural University of Tirana,Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Rruga Paisi Vodica 1025, Tiranë, Albania Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Protection, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland.Abstract The accumulation of nickel (Ni) in food plants is a growing concern due to its potential toxicity and ability to enter the food chain. Nickel can be taken up by plants and accumulate in various tissues, including edible parts, with concentrations influenced by factors such as soil characteristics, plant species, and environmental conditions. Elevated nickel levels in some soils in Albania, resulting from naturally nickel-rich (ultramafic) soils can increase the risk of plant uptake and subsequent human exposure. This study evaluates the effect of available nickel in soil on its accumulation in food plants cultivated in the ultramafic zones of Poskë, Rajcë, and Prrenjas. The Mehlich-1 extraction method was used to determine available nickel concentrations in the soil, which were then analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). To measure nickel concentrations in edible parts of plants, samples were digested and the resulting solutions were likewise analyzed using AAS. Results indicate a general trend where higher concentrations of extractable nickel in the soil correspond to increased nickel content in the edible parts of food plants. For instance, in Pojska, alfalfa grown in soil with 94.61 mg/kg of extractable nickel accumulated 75 mg/kg in its edible tissues, while oats in the same area showed similar uptake (95.28mg/kg in soil and 76.8 mg/kg in plant tissue). However, exceptions to this trend were observed. Some crops, such as onion from Rajcë and tomato from Rrajcë, showed low nickel accumulation relative to soil levels, suggesting that plant species have different capacities for nickel uptake and internal distribution. Leafy food plants such as salad, onion, and alfalfa generally exhibited higher nickel accumulation compared to fruiting plants like tomato and pepper. Additionally, crops such as tomato and corn appeared to limit nickel translocation to edible parts, possibly as a protective mechanism. Overall, while a positive correlation exists between extractable soil nickel and nickel content in food plants, the degree of accumulation is clearly species-dependent. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring soil nickel levels, especially in areas affected by industrial activity or naturally high in nickel, to reduce potential risks to food safety and public health. Keywords: Available Nickel; Ultramafic Soils; Food Plants; Edible Plant Parts; Nickel Accumulation in Plants. |
