Accumulation of atmospheric deposition of As, Cd and Pb by bush bean plants

Bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) was exposed to atmospheric deposition of As, Cd and Pb in a polluted and a reference area. The atmospheric deposition of these elements was significantly related to the concentrations in leaves, stems and pods at green harvest. Surprisingly there was also a clear relation for As and Pb in the seeds at dry harvest, even though these seeds were covered by the husks. Root uptake of accumulated atmospheric deposits was not likely in such a short term experiment, as confirmed by the fact that soil pore water analysis did not reveal significant differences in trace element concentrations in the different exposure areas. For biomonitoring purposes, the leaves of bush bean are the most suitable, but also washed or unwashed pods can be used. This means that the obtained relationships are suitable to estimate the transfer of airborne trace elements in the food chain via bush bean. •Atmospheric deposition of trace elements accumulates in bean leaves, stems and pods.•Also thoroughly washed green pods are suitable for biomonitoring.•Even the non-exposed bean seeds accumulate As and Pb deposits to some extend.•A migration of trace elements from the husks to the seeds is most likely. In a polluted area, atmospheric deposition of trace elements on the above-ground plant parts is influencing their concentration, even in the seeds.