Element accumulation capacity of Vaccinium myrtillus from Montenegro: Comparison of element contents in water and ethanol extracts of bilberry plant parts

Abstract

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) is a rich source of different mineral elements that are important as essential trace elements, or that can be potentially toxic, depending on their concentration. The contents of sixteen elements: the major (Al, Ca, Fe, K and Mg) and trace elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn) in roots, stems, leaves and fruits of bilberry and the corresponding soil substrate were determined in order to investigate element mobility and availability in soil. Soil was subjected to sequential extraction procedure as proposed by the Community Bureau of Reference in order to fractionate acid-soluble/exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable and residual fractions. Analysis of water and ethanol extracts of bilberry aerial parts revealed a significant transfer of elements during the extraction procedure, with corresponding extraction coefficient values of up to 95.12%. Results showed that bilberry fruits could serve as a good dietary source of essential elements for humans, especially Mn and Cu.