Assessment of Heavy Metals Accumulation and Translocation Potential in Some Native Plants Species Collected from Contaminated Soils

Abstract Phytoremediation of heavy metals is considered as an environmental friendly and cost effective technique for cleaning of contaminated soil, especially when native plant species are used. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the potential of native plant species for accumulation and translocation of selected metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn). Twenty one plant species were collected from the ten polluted sites of metropolitan cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad), Pakistan. Plants tissues (shoots and roots) were analyzed for the accumulation and translocation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn). Metals accumulation index (MAI) were also evaluated for the selected plants species. Heavy metals concentration was in the order of; Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cd. Overall, it was observed that R. communis, C. dactylon, C. sativa, P. hysterophorus, P. plebeium, F. Adiantum, C. didymis, R. muricatus and T. officinale had higher metals accumulation and translocation potential. In root part of plants, more concentrations of heavy metals were observed as compared to shoot part of plants. Furthermore, higher MAI was observed in R. communis, P. hysterophorus and P. plebeium. The results indicated that selected native plants species had higher accumulation and translocation potential for heavy metals and can be used for phytoextraction and phytostabilization of metals polluted soils.