Higher concentrations of heavy metals are present in nature, the cause of which can be found in nature or anthropogenic activity. Heavy metals are, by definition, elements with a density greater than 5 g / cm 3 . While some can be essential nutrients, others can be toxic. They cause various disorders of carcinogenic and non- carcinogenic nature in the human body, and poisoning can occur by consuming food of plant origin. The legal regulations prescribe the permitted amount of heavy metals in it. The absorption and storage of heavy metals from the soil into plants occurs through a series of transport mechanisms that otherwise serve to absorb micronutrients. Different plant species also have different absorption properties, which is why it is important to define a transfer factor that indicates the ratio of the concentration of heavy metals in plants and those in the corresponding soil. In order to determine it, it is important to take into account the analysis of the soil, which, as well as the analysis of plant materials, is prescribed by certain protocols and the regulations. Sample preparation can be performed in two ways: wet and dry destruction, both of which have their advantages and disadvantages. The prepared samples can be analysed by different instrumental techniques such as AAS, ICP - MS, ICP - AES or HG - AFS.