The Study of Heavy Metal and Microbial Contaminations in Piper retrofractum Vahl. Planting by Space-saving Model

Abstract

Heavy metal and microbial contaminations in herbal raw materials are the main problems of herbal production due to contamination and pollution in agricultural areas, hence the high concentration of chemical residues. This study focused on developing a space saving model for planting herbs with reduction of contaminations and with the ability to control the levels of heavy metal and microbial contaminations using Piper retrofractum Vahl. as a model plant. This study developed a pattern for planting Piper retrofractum Vahl. in rectangular-shaped cement pots with a size of 30x100x30 cm. (width x length x height) in one pot per five plants with a mixture soil free from heavy metal contaminants. The component of the soil mixture contained soil, black chaff, and coconut flakes in a ratio of 1: 1: 1, and organic fertilizer contained dry leaves, manure, and effective microorganisms in a ratio of 10: 1: 1, and the watering period has been set. After 6 months of cultivating the dill, it was found that on average, 300 grams of orange Piper retrofractum Vahl. can be harvested per pot. The study found that the heavy metal and microbial contaminations found in Piper retrofractum Vahl. did not exceed the specified standards. Furthermore, it was found that the active components using the fingerprint-thin layer chromatography method were just as efficient as those of the standard herb.