Evaluation of the Heavy Metal Accumulation Capacity of Hypericum scabrum L. around a Cement Factory

Abstract

Hypericum scabrum L. is a widely distributed plant in Turkey with significant medicinal importance and has been studied as a potential accumulator plant in environmental pollution-related research. Cement factories are among the industrial facilities that contribute to heavy metal pollution. In this study, heavy metal accumulation in H. scabrum and surrounding soil samples collected from a cement factory in Kükürtlü Village, Erzurum, was investigated. The samples were prepared using specific procedures for heavy metal analysis and analyzed using an ICP-OES device. The analysis revealed high levels of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) in H. scabrum, while calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg) were found to be the elements with the highest concentration in the soil. H. scabrum accumulated more potassium (K) than the soil, while other heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, Mn) showed lower levels of accumulation. However, the plant’s high uptake of macro-elements like potassium (K) may contribute to environmental nutrient recycling. H. scabrum shows some potential for environmental pollution with limited accumulation of certain heavy metals; however, it cannot be classified as a hyperaccumulator. Future research should examine the plant’s heavy metal uptake mechanisms and its bioremediation potential in greater detail.