Change of Bioaccumulation of Toxic Metals in Vegetables

Abstract

The bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of heavy metals are one of the most important input variables in human health risk assessment. Change of toxic metal uptake by two common leafy vegetable species, sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.) and chive (Allium schoenoprasum L.), at different cuts (1, 2, and 3) were studied in four different contaminated soils in pot experiments. Shoot biomass production of tested plants decreased significantly only at high pollution levels. It is well known that BAF depends on metals, plant species, soil pollution level, and soil acidity. Our results showed significant variation of the bioaccumulation factors in addition at different growths mainly at low pollution levels. Results also indicated different human health risks occurred by consumption of homegrown vegetable harvested at different times.