BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS FROM CONTAMINATED SOIL TO THE VEGETABLE COMMONLY CONSUMED IN PAKISTAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH.

Bioavailability of heavy metals was determined from soil to plant. The levels of seven different heavy metals viz. lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and arsenic (As) were analyzed in spinach. Spinach showed high level of arsenic. It is concluded that the vegetables grown in this region especially leafy ones are highly contaminated with Pb, Cd, and Ni and can cause health hazard for human consumption. Therefore, to reduce the health risk and the extent of heavy metal contamination, steps must be taken for efficient treatment of sewage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]