Effects of Heavy Metal Toxicity on the Nutrient Composition of Spinach (Spinacea oleracea)

Abstract

The effects of heavy metal toxicity on branch and root length, total protein, fiber characteristics, water content and nutritional composition of spinach (Spinacea oleracea) were evaluated. Plants were grown in pots with soil and exposed to different concentrations (mg/kg) of lead (Pb; 300, 400 and 500), cadmium (Cd; 0.5, 1 and 1.5) and zinc (Zn; 350, 500 and 800). Soils contaminated by long-term irrigation with wastewater containing heavy metals were simulated. Significant        (p < 0.05) increase in heavy metal concentration. The nutrient content of S.oleracea decreased

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/jchr.v13.i4.1338