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Geranium robertianum L. tolerates various soil types burdened with heavy metals

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Abstract

Many heavy metals (HMs) are essential micronutrients for the growth and development of plants. However, human activities such as mining, smelting, waste disposal, and industrial processes have led to toxic levels of HMs in soil. Fortunately, many plant species have developed incredible adaptive mechanisms to survive and thrive in such harsh environments. As a widespread and ruderal species, Geranium robertianum L. inhabits versatile soil types, both polluted and unpolluted. Considering the ubiquity of G. robertianum, the study aimed to determine whether geographically distant populations can tolerate HMs. We collected soil and plant samples from serpentine, an anthropogenic heavy metal contaminated, and a non-metalliferous site to study the physiological state of G. robertianum. HMs in soil and plants were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Spectrophotometric methods were used to measure the total content of chlorophylls a and b, total phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and proline. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to investigate the potential correlation between HMs concentrations gathered from various soil types and plant samples and biochemical data acquired for plant material. A statistically significant difference was observed for all localities regarding secondary metabolite parameters. A positive correlation between Ni and Zn in soil and Ni and Zn in plant matter was observed (p<0.0005) indicating higher absorption. Regardless of high concentrations of heavy metals in investigated soils, G. robertianum displayed resilience and was capable of thriving. These results may be ascribed to several protective mechanisms that allow G. robertianum to express normal growth and development and act as a pioneer species.

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Raw data analysed in this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

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Funding

This work was supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Science [05-39-3087-8/16, 2016] in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Mujo Hasanović—sample collection, investigation, methodology, visualization, and writing original draft. Jasmina Čakar—conceptualization, investigation, and writing—review and editing. Anesa Ahatović Hajro—sample collection, investigation, and methodology. Senad Murtić—investigation, formal analysis, and data curation. Mirel Subašić—investigation, formal analysis, and data curation. Kasim Bajrović—conceptualization, supervision, and project administration. Adaleta Durmić-Pašić—conceptualization, investigation, sample collection, and writing—review and editing.

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Correspondence to Mujo Hasanović.

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Responsible Editor: Gangrong Shi

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Hasanović, ., Čakar, J., Ahatović Hajro, A. et al. Geranium robertianum L. tolerates various soil types burdened with heavy metals. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 93830–93845 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-28952-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-28952-5

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