The Role of Edible Bulbous Layers on Macro, Micro, and Heavy Metal Contents of Leek (Allium porrum) Plant

In this study, the degree of accumulation of biogenic element and heavy metal contents of different parts and edible layers of leeks cultivated in Konya in Turkey was revealed. The amounts of P and K of leek were determined from 154.69 (leaf top of leek) and 985.05 mg/kg (root of leek) to 1377.63 (onion part of leek) and 2688.50 mg/kg (root of leek), respectively. P and K contents of leek layers changed from 139.45 (1st layer) and 446.63 mg/kg (7th layer) to 1596.69 (2nd layer) and 2201.53 mg/kg (4th layer), respectively. While Ca amounts of leek parts vary between 577.09 (leaf of leek) and 666.87 mg/kg (root of leek), Mg contents of leek parts were determined between 130.70 (onion part of leek) and 264.58 mg/kg (root of leek). All of the macro elements were detected in the highest amount in the root of the leek, followed by the leaf and bulb parts in decreasing order. Fe and Zn contents of different parts of leeks varied from 0.506 (onion part of leek) and 22.71 mg/kg (root of leek) to 1.53 (leaf top of leek) and 5.85 mg/kg (root of leek), respectively. In general, the heavy metals found in the highest amount both in different parts of the leek and in the edible bulbous layers were As and Ba. The layers of the leeks are rich in potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.