Accumulation of heavy metals in hydroponically cultivated garlic (Allium sativum L.), onion (Allium cepa L.), leek (Allium porrum L.) and chive (Allium schoenoprasum L.)

Accumulation of toxic metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) at two different concentrations (0.05 and 0.25 mM) was studied in Allium species grown in hydroponics. The significant hyperaccumulation of cadmium and lead was followed in chive, garlic, leek and three cultivars of onion. The distribution of toxic metals in different plant tissues was compared, the highest metal content being found in the roots. Transport to bulbs and leaves was rather low.