Long-Term Variability in the Content of Some Metals and Metalloids in <i>Aesculus</i> Flowers: A Four-Year Study Using ICP OES and PCA Analysis

This study investigates the content of some metals and metalloids in the flowers of three <i>Aesculus</i> cultivars (AHP, <i>Aesculus hippocastanum</i> pure species, with white flowers; AHH, <i>Aesculus hippocastanum</i> hybrid species, with pink flowers; and AXC,...

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Main Authors: Veronica D’Eusanio, Elia Frignani, Andrea Marchetti, Laura Pigani, Mirco Rivi, Fabrizio Roncaglia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Molecules
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/4/908
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author Veronica D’Eusanio
Elia Frignani
Andrea Marchetti
Laura Pigani
Mirco Rivi
Fabrizio Roncaglia
author_facet Veronica D’Eusanio
Elia Frignani
Andrea Marchetti
Laura Pigani
Mirco Rivi
Fabrizio Roncaglia
author_sort Veronica D’Eusanio
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the content of some metals and metalloids in the flowers of three <i>Aesculus</i> cultivars (AHP, <i>Aesculus hippocastanum</i> pure species, with white flowers; AHH, <i>Aesculus hippocastanum</i> hybrid species, with pink flowers; and AXC, <i>Aesculus × carnea</i>, with red flowers) over a four-year period (2016–2019) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and principal component analysis (PCA). The research focuses on assessing macro- and micro-elemental compositions, identifying variations in mineral uptake, and exploring potential correlations with soil composition. Results highlight significant differences in elemental profiles among the three species, despite similar total ash content. Potassium and phosphorus emerged as dominant macroelements, with AXC showing lower magnesium levels compared to AHP and AHH. Particularly intriguing was the detection of antimony in all cultivars, raising questions about its role and bioaccumulation pathways in floral tissues. Iron and aluminum concentrations varied significantly across species, indicating species-specific metal transport mechanisms. Nickel content showed temporal fluctuations, potentially influenced by climatic conditions and soil properties. PCA revealed distinct clustering patterns, linking elemental concentrations to specific species and years. This comprehensive analysis enhances understanding of metal absorption and distribution in ornamental plants, providing insights into their metabolic processes and potential implications for environmental monitoring and phytoremediation strategies.
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spelling doaj-art-baf69e931f8043c4b6d7e66e4bdb6fc32025-08-20T03:12:04ZengMDPI AGMolecules1420-30492025-02-0130490810.3390/molecules30040908Long-Term Variability in the Content of Some Metals and Metalloids in <i>Aesculus</i> Flowers: A Four-Year Study Using ICP OES and PCA AnalysisVeronica D’Eusanio0Elia Frignani1Andrea Marchetti2Laura Pigani3Mirco Rivi4Fabrizio Roncaglia5Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, ItalyDepartment of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, ItalyDepartment of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, ItalyDepartment of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, ItalyDepartment of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, ItalyDepartment of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, ItalyThis study investigates the content of some metals and metalloids in the flowers of three <i>Aesculus</i> cultivars (AHP, <i>Aesculus hippocastanum</i> pure species, with white flowers; AHH, <i>Aesculus hippocastanum</i> hybrid species, with pink flowers; and AXC, <i>Aesculus × carnea</i>, with red flowers) over a four-year period (2016–2019) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and principal component analysis (PCA). The research focuses on assessing macro- and micro-elemental compositions, identifying variations in mineral uptake, and exploring potential correlations with soil composition. Results highlight significant differences in elemental profiles among the three species, despite similar total ash content. Potassium and phosphorus emerged as dominant macroelements, with AXC showing lower magnesium levels compared to AHP and AHH. Particularly intriguing was the detection of antimony in all cultivars, raising questions about its role and bioaccumulation pathways in floral tissues. Iron and aluminum concentrations varied significantly across species, indicating species-specific metal transport mechanisms. Nickel content showed temporal fluctuations, potentially influenced by climatic conditions and soil properties. PCA revealed distinct clustering patterns, linking elemental concentrations to specific species and years. This comprehensive analysis enhances understanding of metal absorption and distribution in ornamental plants, providing insights into their metabolic processes and potential implications for environmental monitoring and phytoremediation strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/4/908horse-chestnutchemical compositionelemental analysisICP OESPCA
spellingShingle Veronica D’Eusanio
Elia Frignani
Andrea Marchetti
Laura Pigani
Mirco Rivi
Fabrizio Roncaglia
Long-Term Variability in the Content of Some Metals and Metalloids in <i>Aesculus</i> Flowers: A Four-Year Study Using ICP OES and PCA Analysis
Molecules
horse-chestnut
chemical composition
elemental analysis
ICP OES
PCA
title Long-Term Variability in the Content of Some Metals and Metalloids in <i>Aesculus</i> Flowers: A Four-Year Study Using ICP OES and PCA Analysis
title_full Long-Term Variability in the Content of Some Metals and Metalloids in <i>Aesculus</i> Flowers: A Four-Year Study Using ICP OES and PCA Analysis
title_fullStr Long-Term Variability in the Content of Some Metals and Metalloids in <i>Aesculus</i> Flowers: A Four-Year Study Using ICP OES and PCA Analysis
title_full_unstemmed Long-Term Variability in the Content of Some Metals and Metalloids in <i>Aesculus</i> Flowers: A Four-Year Study Using ICP OES and PCA Analysis
title_short Long-Term Variability in the Content of Some Metals and Metalloids in <i>Aesculus</i> Flowers: A Four-Year Study Using ICP OES and PCA Analysis
title_sort long term variability in the content of some metals and metalloids in i aesculus i flowers a four year study using icp oes and pca analysis
topic horse-chestnut
chemical composition
elemental analysis
ICP OES
PCA
url https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/4/908
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