Author(s):

Sushmita Negi

Abstract: In this research paper the distribution and accumulation of heavy metals in soil and various parts Portulaca oleracea Linn. are investigated. Objectives of this research paper was to study the physical parameters of soil samples; and to evaluate the presence of heavy metals, namely Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead and Copper in the soil and plant samples collected from two different wasteland areas of Mira road, Thane and Goregaon (west), Mumbai, designated as Site I and Site II. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was conducted for soil and plant samples collected from above mentioned sites. Soil analysis indicated that Site I was relatively more contaminated with heavy metals than Site II. Presence of all four heavy metals was detected in the leaf, stem and roots of the plant samples growing in these two wasteland area. It was found that Portulaca oleracea has the tendency to accumulate heavy metals in underground as well as the aboveground parts of the plant body. Heavy metal content was relatively more in the plant samples that were collected from Site I than Site II. Portulaca oleracea stem accumulated more heavy metals as compared to leaf and root. Mobility of heavy metals from root to stem and leaves appear to be high. Biological Accumulation Coefficient (BAC), Bioconcentration Factor (BCF), and Biological Transfer Coefficient (BCF) have been calculated; and accordingly it appears that Portulaca oleracea is a bioaccumulator of heavy metals, namely Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead and Copper. It is suggested that the mass cultivation of this nutritionally rich vegetable crop for human consumption and medicinal use should be carried in unpolluted crop fields.

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