Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is one of the leading articles of human consumption. Its use represents a threat to public health, due to its ability to accumulate potentially hazardous metals (PHM) as well as tar, carbon monoxide and nicotine, which can have a harmful effect on the human body. The purpose of the bachelor’s thesis was to review of previous publications on the most common sources of PHM in tobacco, the content of metals in soils where tobacco is grown, the mechanism of PHM uptake from soil into tobacco, and the influencing factors (soil properties, type of tobacco, agricultural practices). Review of research results showed that the most common source of PHM in tobacco is the use of phosphate fertilizers. The mechanisms of PHM accumulation in tobacco allow the transfer of PHM from soils to the lower leaves, and then the PHM transfers to the higher growing tobacco leaves. The presence of PHM in soil varies depending on the contamination of the tobacco growing areas. More PHM is found in tobacco fertilized with a higher PHM content in fertilizers. The application of plant protection products (PPPs) on the soil results in lower PHM values in tobacco compared to spraying of tobacco tops. Tobacco variety also affects PHM uptake into the plant. Several studies were conducted, however none of them detected problematic metal content in tobacco.
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