The research aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation and health risk associated withabsorption of the selected heavy metals (HMs) i.e., lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and copper(Cu) in a wild leafy vegetable Nasturtium ofﬁcinale that grows along the Swat River in swampy areas.The areas were categorized using the ecological risk index (RI), which indicates how heavy metal concentrations in soil and plants change over time. The bioaccumulation factor was greater than that at the 400≤RI sites, indicating a probable health risk of these metals from N. ofﬁcinale consumption.Furthermore, the health risk index for Cd and Pb was more signiﬁcant, i.e., greater than one in the majority of the samples, indicating health concerns associated with consuming N. ofﬁcinale from the study site. However, Zn and Cu levels were lower than the nutritionally needed levels, raising the risk of deﬁciency in the population. Plants cultivated in Pb and Cd-polluted sites were nutrient deficient in Cu and Zn. Intake of such plants can expose people to HM contamination and nutritional deﬁciency. The results concluded that the plants accumulated signiﬁcant HM contents and may have health concerns but are safe for consumption in children and adults.Keywords:heavy metals; leafy vegetables; Nasturtium ofﬁcinale; mineral nutrient; atomic absorp-tion spectro photometer.

Question

The research aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation and health risk associated withabsorption of the selected heavy metals (HMs) i.e., lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and copper(Cu) in a wild leafy vegetable Nasturtium ofﬁcinale that grows along the Swat River in swampy areas.The areas were categorized using the ecological risk index (RI), which indicates how heavy metal concentrations in soil and plants change over time. The bioaccumulation factor was greater than that at the 400≤RI sites, indicating a probable health risk of these metals from N. ofﬁcinale consumption.Furthermore, the health risk index for Cd and Pb was more signiﬁcant, i.e., greater than one in the majority of the samples, indicating health concerns associated with consuming N. ofﬁcinale from the study site. However, Zn and Cu levels were lower than the nutritionally needed levels, raising the risk of deﬁciency in the population. Plants cultivated in Pb and Cd-polluted sites were nutrient deficient in Cu and Zn. Intake of such plants can expose people to HM contamination and nutritional deﬁciency. The results concluded that the plants accumulated signiﬁcant HM contents and may have health concerns but are safe for consumption in children and adults.Keywords:heavy metals; leafy vegetables; Nasturtium ofﬁcinale; mineral nutrient; atomic absorp-tion spectro photometer.

Write only the main points

Answer 1

1. Research focused on bioaccumulation of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, zinc, copper) in Nasturtium ofﬁcinale along the Swat River.

2. Ecological risk index categorized study areas, showing higher bioaccumulation at sites with RI ≥ 400.
3. Bioaccumulation factor indicated potential health risks from consuming N. ofﬁcinale with high heavy metal concentrations.
4. Health risk index showed significant concerns for cadmium and lead, with levels exceeding safe limits in most samples.
5. Zinc and copper levels were lower than nutritional requirements, raising risk of deficiency in population.
6. Plants grown in lead and cadmium polluted sites had nutrient deficiencies in zinc and copper.
7. Consumption of such plants can expose people to heavy metal contamination and nutritional deficiencies.
8. Overall, plants accumulated significant heavy metals and may pose health concerns, but are deemed safe for consumption in children and adults.