The Accumulation of Nutrients and Contaminants in Aromatic Plants Grown in a Hydroponic System

Abstract

Hydroponic systems are highly appreciated today, due to their potential to protect the environment and ensure a high level of food safety. In general, aromatic plants play a very important role in the food, pharmacy, cosmetics, perfumery and aromatherapy industries, all these products being highly appreciated by consumers. Due to their importance, different hydroponic systems are put in place to grow at different levels, these aromatic plants. In the present study, is analyzed the influence of three different hydroponic systems (two vertical and one horizontal) on minerals content and nutritional quality of two varieties of Occimum basilicum and one Mentha piperita variety. In this study are presented dry matter content, ash, micro and macro elements and contaminants content of leaves are presented. The results showed that the vertical system without foil had the best results, followed by the vertical system with foil comparative to the horizontal system that had the lowest content in nutritious principles. The vertical eco-sustainable systems proved to be a promising innovation for growing aromatic plants at the household level and a promising start for the intensive growing.