Cadmium accumulation and distribution in artichoke plants (Cynara scolymusL.) grown in two contaminated agricultural soils

The contamination of agricultural soils contributes to the absorption of heavy metals by crops and these pollutants enter the food chain, increasing the risk of toxicity in organisms. The objective was to evaluate the concentration of cadmium (Cd) in artichoke plants in the districts of Mito and 9 de Julio, in theprovince of Concepción, department of Junín. 10 samples were collected, systematically, of artichoke fruits, leaves and stems; a composite sample of soil, and a sample of irrigation water. The Cd content in soils and irrigation water exceeded the Environmental Quality Standard (ECA). The concentration of Cd (mgkg-1) on July 9, was: 0.100 0.052 in fruit; 0.647 0.117 in sheet; and 0.035 ± 0.020 in stem; in Mito: 0.164 0.050 in fruit; 0.719 0.201 in sheet; and 0.142 0.061 in stem. The Cd values in leaves exceeded the permissible limit of 0.20 mgkg-1established for vegetables, but not in stems and fruits. It was concluded that the concentration of Cd in artichoke had the following order: leaf> stem> fruit, higher in Mito than in July 9