Study on the Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Alpinia Oxyphylla Miq. at Different Growth Stages

Objective: to compare the contents of heavy metals in Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. at different growth stages. Methods: The content of Cu was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The contents of other four elements, i.e. As, Hg, Pb and Cd, were determined by atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. Result: the contents of heavy metals in fruit and rhizome of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. were lower than the criteria for the limit content of heavy metals issued by Green Trade Standards of Importing & Exporting Medicinal Plants & Preparations at different growth stages. The content of heavy elements was the lowest at the ripe fruit of the 40th day. Conclusion: The 40th day was the best harvest time for Alpinia oxyphylla Miq.