Medicinal plants and their products have been used for medical treatments, most frequently in the form of tea brew. Emission sources like traffic, waste deposit, chemicals, burning fossil fuels and mineral processing rise the heavy metal values in plants and other organisms.
Research has shown, how the thermal power plant Šoštanj and the coal mine Velenje affect the presence of pollutants in living organisms and water sources in the area of the Šalek Valley. Heavy metals accumulate in our bodies and endanger life processes. The results of research carried out till now show, that the level of some heavy metals endangering the health of inhabitants, plants, animals and water sources in the area is sinking.
The aim of our research was to indicate the levels of heavy metals in sprouts and tea of Thymus (Thymus serpyllum L.) and Common Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L.)Samples were gathered in the places of Šoštanj and Nadbočna in Upper Savinja Valley, and were analysed with the X-ray fluorescent spectrometer for determining heavy metal levels.
The elimination of environmental impact, building of the clarification plant, and modern electricity production have reduced the gas emissions, which reflects in the less burdened biocenosis in land systems at this area.
The research shows that the concentration of heavy metals in Thymus and Common Lady’s Mantle in the area have not risen, but due to agricultural activity there are higher levels of Zinc in the ground, herbs and tea in Nadbočna. Comparing both sample areas there is a difference in concentration of metals and other elements because of different plant species and geological foundation. At both areas Thymus has higher levels of Potassium, whereas Common Lady’s Mantle has higher levels of Calcium and Manganese.
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