Major and Trace Element Content of Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden: An Invasive Species in the Leningrad Region, Russia

Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. (commonly known as Sosnowsky’s hogweed or giant hogweed; family Apiaceae, formerly Umbelliferae), an invasive species introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant in the early 20th century and to European Russia in the mid-20th century as a potential forage crop, has become widespread in many countries by the late 20th century. While some researchers focus on eradication and control strategies for this plant, others investigate its potential for producing valuable products, such as sugars, alcohols, biofuels, paperboard, and essential oils. In this study, we analyzed the elemental composition of various plant parts (roots, leaves, stems, and fruits) collected from H. sosnowskyi populations in the Leningrad region (Vyborg district). Using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), we determined the concentrations of 32 elements, encompassing major and trace elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Mo, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Tb, Hf, Ta, Th, U). Our findings indicate that many potentially toxic elements exhibit no bioaccumulation and are present at lower concentrations in the plant tissues compared to the surrounding soil.