Multi-Analytical Approach to Evaluate Elements and Chemical Alterations in Pteris vittata Plants Exposed to Arsenic

The aim of this study was the development a new multi-analytical approach to evaluate chemical alterations and differences in element content relation arsenic (As) As hyperaccumulator fern P. vittata. vittata plants were grown on two natural As-rich soils with either high or moderate (750 58 mg/kg). Dried samples from plant tissues then analysed by means micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-XRF), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) multivariate approach. micro- macronutrients evaluated μ-XRF significant correlation between As, potassium (K), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca) manganese (Mn) contents found at both levels. same ATR-FTIR HSI (SWIR range, 1000–2500 nm). Interestingly, FTIR analysis it that main control As-contaminated are due intensity absorption band related polysaccharides (i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose pectin), lignin, lipid amide groups. detected an all data validated PCA analysis. These results suggest possible complexation ions group. Moreover, proposed μ-XRF, combining could be promising strategy monitor in-field phytoremediation approaches directly controlling plants.