Elemental uptake by edible herbs and lettuce (Latuca sativa).

The total concentration of toxic elements (aluminum, cadmium, chromium and lead) and selected macro and micro elements (iron, manganese, copper and zinc) are reported in six leafy edible vegetation species, namely lettuce, spinach, cabbage, chards and green and red types of Amaranth herbs. Although spinach and chards had greater than 125 mv of iron, both the amaranthus herbs recorded > than 320 microg g(-1) dry weight. In both the spinach and chard species, the Mn and Zn levels were appreciable recording > 225 microg g(-1) and 150 microg g(-1) dry weight, respectively.