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 and Gaps to be discussed in the future research studies. What difficulty they found needs to carry out futhur research in the future
Main points:
1. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in Nasturtium officinale from Swat River
2. Health risks associated with consumption of N. officinale due to heavy metal contamination
3. Nutritional deficiencies in the population from consuming plants grown in polluted sites
4. Importance of monitoring heavy metal levels in leafy vegetables for human health
Gaps to be discussed in future research studies:
1. Potential long-term health effects of heavy metal contamination in leafy vegetables
2. Effects on wildlife and ecosystems from heavy metal accumulation in plants
3. Strategies for mitigating heavy metal contamination in agricultural areas
4. Comparison of heavy metal levels in different types of leafy vegetables grown in polluted environments
Difficulties encountered in carrying out further research:
1. Difficulty in obtaining accurate and consistent data on heavy metal concentrations in plants and soil
2. Challenges in determining the exact sources of heavy metal pollution in the environment
3. Limited resources and funding for conducting extensive field studies and laboratory analyses
4. Lack of standardized methods for assessing the health risks of heavy metal contamination in leafy vegetables