COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN Euphorbia helioscopia L

In order to ascertain accumulation of heavy metals including Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Mn, Cd and Pb in Euphorbia helioscopia L. found in polluted and unpolluted sites of Peshawar city, investigations were performed by using atomic absorption spectrometry. Comparative assessment of heavy metal contents confirmed accumulation of iron in leaves (67.00 mg kg-1) and stem (13.50 mg kg-1) followed by manganese in roots (13.36 mg kg-1) and stem (12.53 mg kg-1). The amount of other heavy metals studied chromium, cobalt and copper were also on the higher side in roots, stem, leaves and seeds of the plant. The results showed heavy metals accumulation in plant, procured from polluted sites as compared to unpolluted sites. The main purpose of the investigation was to document evidence for the users, collectors, and practitioners of E. helioscopia obtained from the polluted areas for human consumption.