Arsenic accumulation in lentil (Lens culinaris) genotypes and risk associated with the consumption of grains

Abstract Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid. As phyto-toxicity is manifested by its accumulation in different tissue types and subsequent growth inhibition in plants. Despite the vital role of leguminous crops in providing proteins to human diets, a little is known about the As accumulation in lentil. In this study, the rate of As uptake and transport from soil to root, shoot and grain of lentil as well as associated risks with the consumption of As contaminated food were examined. Biomass accumulation of lentil genotypes pardina, red chief and precoz drastically decreased when treated with As at 6 mg kg −1 concentration in comparison to 0 and 3 mg kg −1 As. Quantification of As concentrations following different treatment periods…