Experimental Research on the Study of Мéntha Piperíta Makro- and Microelement Composition Growing in Goris, Syunik Region

Abstract

The purpose of our work was to study the qualitative and quantitative composition of the mineral elements of peppermint (Méntha piperíta) leaves. The relevance of the study is revealed by the fact that, though some trace elements in low concentrations are necessary for plant growth, their excess can lead to plant death. This effect depends both on the nature of the element and on the type of plant. To achieve this goal, we used the method of optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma on an Agilent 5110 ICP-OEC equipment. The object of research was the dried aerial part of peppermint (Méntha piperíta) growing in Goris region of Armenia. The content of 30 elements was determined, for five of which the biological absorption coefficient is greater than unity. This means that these elements accumulate in plants. These include strontium and molybdenum, which are toxic elements. Based on the data presented, it is certainly necessary to control the maximum permissible concentrations of molybdenum and strontium in peppermint (Méntha piperita) collections before using it in cooking and for the creation of medicinal products.