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EXPLORING CALCIUM, POTASSIUM, IRON AND BARIUM ACCUMULATION IN URTICA DIOICA AND LAMIUM PURPUREUM USING XRF SPECTROMETRY
Abstract
The stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and purple dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) are widely distributed plants, known for their medicinal and nutritional properties. Urtica dioica is particularly valued for its significant mineral content, being widely used in traditional medicine and agricultural practices. Similarly, Lamium purpureum presents notable medicinal properties and typically occupies comparable ecological functions. Calcium is critically important for developing cell walls, growth of plant cells as well as human bone health. Potassium matters a great deal for plant health too: regulating water, growth, and photosynthesis. Potassium is also vital in maintaining balance of electrolytes and muscle function in humans. Iron modifies chlorophyll synthesis and metabolism and is important for oxygen transportation. Barium, even though studied less, may be important bioindicators of soil contamination and shows physiological effects in human health. Studying the levels of these macro elements is critical in assessing the nutritional profiles of these plants, their adaptation to varying soil conditions, and potential implications for human health and agriculture. The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the concentration of calcium, potassium, iron, and barium in soil samples and in the plant parts (roots, stems, and leaves) of Urtica dioica and Lamium purpureum. The results will provide valuable insights into the relationships between soil nutrient availability and plant mineral composition, contributing to both ecological studies and the medicinal applications of these species. The study was performed on soil and plant samples harvested from Timis County, Romania using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.
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