EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS (CU, ZN AND CR) ON GROWTH OF LEAFY VEGETABLES- LACTUCA SATIVA AND CORIANDRUM SATIVUM

In the following study, we have collected municipal wastewater and have studied heavy metal accumulation and health risk factors in two leafy vegetables i.e in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum). The following heavy metals were analyzed i.e Cu, Zn and, Cr using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Present study explains about the proportion of heavy metal contamination in above mentioned leafy vegetables. Results showed that lettuce leaves contain Cu, Zn and Cr at all the sampling points. Cr was under the secure value limit recommended by FAO/WHO at P1, P2, P5. Cr was detected at P1,P2 and P3 areas, but at experimental area P2 Cr in lettuce ( 70.79ppm) and coriander(127.27ppm) was higher than the allowable limit. Soil analysis has not revealed any measurable increase in the concentration of heavy metal according to the fixed standards but the values were higher than control which shows that the contamination was due to pesticides and industrial exhaust.