Accumulation Of Metals In Soils Research Articles

Heavy Metal Content in Soil and Medicinal Plants in High Traffic Urban Area

The heavy metals (Zn, Pb and Zn) concentrations in soil and medicinal plant samples from Aba city, Nigeria using atomic absorption spectrophotometer UNICAM 919 model was evaluated in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that there was a clear accumulation of metals in soil and medicinal plants in relation to vehicular emission in the city. A highest concentration of Zn (133.56±7.70 mg/kg) in soil was obtained from X2, Pb (29.71±1.56 mg/kg) and Cd (21.11±1.28 mg/kg) was in X5. The levels of Zn, Pb and Cd in soil were 15.85±18.03 - 133.56±7.70 mg/kg, 10.06±0.36 - 29.71±1.56 mg/kg and 1.07±0.08 - 21.11±1.28 mg/kg, respectively. In medicinal plants, the highest concentration of Zn was obtained in Azadiractha indica (34.58±2.07 mg/kg), Pb was in Psidium guajava (10.47±0.93 mg/kg) and levels of Zn, Pb and Cd were 9.02±1.40 - 34.58±2.07 mg/kg, 1.55±0.35 - 10.47±0.93 mg/kg and 0.02±0.0 - 1.44±0.11 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of metals in soil and medicinal plant were in decreasing order: Zn>Pb>Cd. Zinc in soil significantly correlated positively with Zn (0.956, p<0.01) and Cd (0.631, p<0.01) in plants; Pb in soil significantly correlated positively with Zn (0.825, p<0.01), Pb (0.810, p<0.01), Cd (0.578, p<0.05) in plants. The level of Cd in soil reflected significant pollution compared to concentrations in soils of urban cities in developing countries.

Rhizosphere Influence and Seasonal Impact on Phytostabilisation of Metals—A Field Study

Field experiments were conducted to assess the influence of plant growth and amendment addition on phytostabilisation of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) along highway soil in southwest British Columbia, Canada. The plant species tested were Lolium perenne L (perennial rye grass), Festuca rubra L. (creeping red fescue) and Poa pratensis L. (Kentucky blue grass) and the amendments, lime and phosphate. The treatment efficiencies were assessed during different seasons as a completely randomized factorial experiment in split plot design. The research tasks involved: (1) quantifying the seasonal extent of metal accumulation in soil and assessing the seasonal impact on metal speciation for different soil amendments and plant species; (2) determining seasonal accumulation differences between sampling periods in plant parts; and (3) assessing the influence of root–soil interactions on metal dynamics. The amendments decreased the exchangeable fraction and plant uptake of all four metals. The lowest mobile fractions (exchangeable and carbonate bound) were found in soils growing Festuca for Cu, Lolium for Mn and a Lolium/Poa/Festuca combination for Pb and Zn. Metal accumulation and metal dynamics in the rhizosphere soil are compared with those of the bulk soil. The final outcome was the development of a remediation strategy for all four metals involving suitable plants and amendments and incorporating seasonal and rhizosphere influences.

Regularities of heavy metal distribution in soils of forest ecosystems (Exemplified by the Central Part of the Ryazan region)

The content of heavy metals in soils of natural and anthropogenic ecosystems in the Ryazan region is analyzed. Natural factors, agriculture, and technogenic pollution are compared according to the degree of their effect on heavy metal accumulation in soil.

Heavy metal accumulation in soil after application of organic wastes

Municipal solid waste compost and cattle manure are used as organic fertilizers in agriculture and horticulture. These wastes, however, may also have some negative effects on the agricultural environment. This study investigates the effects of municipal solid waste compost of Kerman (MSC) and cattle manure (CM) on availability of the heavy metal in calcareous soil (extractable with EDTA) in greenhouse conditions. The MSC and CM were mixed thoroughly with soil at rates of 0%, 2%, and 4% of dry matter. After 90 days of incubation, the soil samples were analyzed. Addition of levels of each two organic wastes into soil significantly decreased the soil pH and increased the soil EC as compared with control (unamended soil).The available contents (EDTA-extractable) of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cu in the soil samples were increased because of each two organic treatments applied. The heavy metal contents in the soil samples amended with MSC were more than CM. The heavy metal contents of organic wastes were well below the maximum allowed by USEPA. It is recommended that in Iran, the legal maximum permissible limit for heavy elements in organic wastes must be determined.

Effect of long-term application of treated sewage water on heavy metal accumulation in vegetables grown in Northern India

Use of industrial and wastewater for irrigation is on the rise in India and other developing countries because of scarcity of good-quality irrigation water. Wastewaters contain plant nutrients that favour crop growth but leave a burden of heavy metals which can enter the food chain and is a cause of great concern. The present study was undertaken on the long-term impact of irrigation with treated sewage water for growing vegetables and the potential health risk associated with consumption of such vegetable. Treated sewage water (TSW), groundwater (GW), soil and plant samples were collected from peri urban vegetable growing areas of Northern India (Varanasi) and analysed to assess the long-term effect of irrigation with TSW on Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb build-up in soils and its subsequent transfer into commonly grown vegetable crops. Results indicate that TSW was richer in essential plant nutrients but contained Cd, Cr and Ni in amounts well above the permissible limits for its use as irrigation water. Long-term application of TSW resulted in significant build-up of total and DTPA extractable Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb over GW irrigated sites. TSW also resulted in slight lowering in pH, increase in organic carbon (1.6 g kg(-1)) and cation exchange capacity (5.2 cmol kg(-1)). The tissue metal concentration and relative efficiency of transfer of heavy metals from soil to plant (transfer factor) for various groups of vegetables were worked out. Radish, turnip and spinach were grouped as hyper accumulator of heavy metals whereas brinjal and cauliflower accumulated less heavy metals. Health risk assessment by consumption of vegetables grown with TSW indicated that all the vegetables were safe for human consumption. However, significant accumulation of these heavy metals in soil and plant needs to be monitored.

Effects of Urban Wastewater on Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Soil and Corn (Zea mays L.) with Sprinkler Irrigation Method

Effects of Urban Wastewater on Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Soil and Corn (Zea mays L.) with Sprinkler Irrigation Method

Accumulation of heavy metals in soil and paddy crop (Oryza sativa), irrigated with water of Ramgarh Lake, Gorakhpur, UP, India

Heavy metals, a highly polluting group of constituents known to exert adverse effects, tend to accumulate in living organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the accumulation and translocation of heavy metals in soil and in paddy crop irrigated with lake water compared to soil and paddy crop irrigated with bore-well water. The quantities of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg) were determined in different parts of rice plants (Oryza sativa). Results revealed that the mean levels of soil Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg in experimental soil and in different parts of rice plant (root, straw, and grain) were higher than the control except for Cu. The content of eight toxic metals was significantly higher in root than in aerial parts of the rice (straw and grains). Rice roots were enriched in Cd, As, Hg, and Pb from the soil, while Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mn were hardly taken by the roots. Bioaccumulation factor for Hg was significantly higher than other heavy metals. Metal transfer factors from soil to rice plants were significant for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg. The concentrations of metals in lake water were found to be within the permissible limit of Indian standard prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (2000), except for Hg and As, which were higher than the limit of Indian standard. However, the concentrations of heavy metals in soil and rice grains were still below the maximal levels, as stipulated by Indian Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA, 1954) and World Health Organization (WHO, 1993) guidelines.

Enrichment of metals in soils subjected to different land uses in a typical Mediterranean environment (Murcia City, southeast Spain)

Abstract Industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural practices are 3 of the most important sources of metal accumulations in soils. Concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd were determined in surface soils collected under different land uses, including urban (UR), industrial (IN-1 and IN-2), agricultural (AG), abandoned unused (AB), and natural (NA) sites to examine the influence of anthropogenic activities on metals in soils formed in a typical Mediterranean environment. The highest concentrations of Cr, Cd, and Pb observed in the NW industrial area (IN-2) were 63.7, 3.34 and 2330 mg metal kg −1 soil, for each metal, respectively. The SW industrial area (IN-1) contained the highest Zn content at 135 mg kg −1 . However, soils with the highest concentrations of Ni and Cu were located in AG sites at 30.9 and 64.9 mg kg −1 soil, respectively. Sampling locations with the highest concentrations of Mn were identified in AB sites. Using the concentrations of metals at the NA sites as the baseline levels, soils collected from all other land uses in the study area exhibited significantly higher total contents of Zn, Mn, Cr and Ni. Metal enrichment was attributed to fertilizer and pesticide applications, industrial activities, and metal deposition from a high volume of vehicular traffic (for Pb and Cd). High concentrations of Mn in some samples were attributed to parent materials. The study demonstrated that anthropogenic activities associated with various land uses contribute to metal accumulation in soils and indicated a need to closely monitor land management practices to reduce human and ecological risks from environmental pollution.

Environmental hazard of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc in metal-contaminated soils remediated by sulfosuccinamate formulation

Accumulation of metals in soil at elevated concentrations causes risks to the environmental quality and human health for more than one hundred million people globally. The rate of metal release and the alteration of metal distribution in soil phases after soil washing with a sulfosuccinamate surfactant solution (Aerosol 22) were evaluated for four contaminated soils. Furthermore, a sequential extraction scheme was carried out using selective extractants (HAcO, NH(2)OH·HCl, H(2)O(2) + NH(4)AcO) to evaluate which metal species are extracted by A22 and the alteration in metal distribution upon surfactant-washing. Efficiency of A22 to remove metals varied among soils. The washing treatment released up to 50% of Cd, 40% of Cu, 20% of Pb and 12% of Zn, mainly from the soluble and reducible soil fractions, therefore, greatly reducing the fraction of metals readily available in soil. Metal speciation analysis for the solutions collected upon soil washing with Aerosol 22 further confirmed these results. Copper and lead in solution were mostly present as soluble complexes, while Cd and Zn were present as free ions. Besides, redistribution of metals in soil was observed upon washing. The ratios of Zn strongly retained in the soil matrix and Cd complexed with organic ligands increased. Lead was mobilized to more weakly retained forms, which indicates a high bioavailability of the remaining Pb in soil after washing. Comprehensive knowledge on chemical forms of metals present in soil allows a feasible assessment of the environmental impact of metals for a given scenario, as well as possible alteration of environmental conditions, and a valuable prediction for potential leaching and groundwater contamination.

Communities of oribatid mites and heavy metal accumulation in oribatid species in agricultural soils in Egypt impacted by waste water

The continued use of waste water for irrigation of agricultural fields in Egypt may lead to accumulation of heavy metals in soils and adverse effects on soil-living communities. We investigated responses of oribatid communities to heavy metal contamination in mango plantations irrigated by the Ismailia canal in the Suez region. Mean concentrations of heavy metals determined in irrigation water were considerably above the recommended levels. Concentrations of metals in agricultural soil were however below the permissible levels. A comparison with concentrations of a typical uncontaminated soil in this area revealed that the Ismailia water canal used for irrigation of agricultural land has elevated levels of heavy metals. The results of our ecological survey showed that the abundance and structure of the soil oribatid communities were not influenced by levels of heavy metals in the soil. We also showed that the diversity index can be a valuable tool for assessing the possible impact of pollutants on different species of oribatid mites. The oribatid species appeared to be accumulating different amounts of heavy metals when characterised by their bioconcentration factors. Most species were poor zinc accumulators. The accumulation of heavy metals in the body of oribatids was not strictly determined by their body size or by the trophic level. In conclusion, our study showed that mango plantations impacted by waste water from the Ismailia canal are accumulating heavy metals in their soils above the background concentrations, but ecological effects on soil-living communities are not apparent yet.

Impact of irrigation with treated low quality water on the heavy metal contents of a soil-crop system in Serbia

Abstract Water availability for irrigation is a limiting factor for agriculture in Mediterranean countries. An upcoming strategy for increasing water supply is to use treated wastewater for irrigation. A principal drawback of irrigating with wastewater is the potential heavy metal accumulation in soil and foodstuff. Accumulation of heavy metals in soil and potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) irrigated with treated low quality surface water was studied in a three years experiment. The low quality surface water used for irrigation experiments contained a significant proportion of urban sewage and was spiked with selected heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb) and arsenic before treatment for years 2 and 3. The experiments were carried out during the growing seasons of 2006, 2007 and 2008 on a humogley soil of a commercial vegetable farm, 10 km north of Belgrade, Serbia. The growing seasons started in April/May and finished in August. Irrigation water was treated using (1) a conventional sand filter treatment, and (2) a sand filter combined with a specific filter for heavy metal removal treatment. Irrigation water composition was highly variable and cases both of enrichment and depletion of the measured inorganic trace elements were observed in the treated water, compared to the low quality feed water. In spite of this variability of the irrigation water composition, the soil contents in inorganic elements at the end of the three irrigation years are similar to the initial state. After the third harvest, no impact of the irrigation water on potato quality could be detected except for total sugar and sugar in total solids. Statistical tests (ANOVA) were performed to assess similarities between the different set of samples. The principal conclusion of this investigation is that, when appropriately treated, low quality feed waters with high heavy metal contents can be used for irrigation over several years without significant degradation of soil and produces. Even though, long-term cumulative effects in other pedologic and hydroclimatic settings, irrigation and cropping conditions cannot be excluded.

Effects of Land Use on Heavy Metal Accumulation in Soils and Sources Analysis

Heavy metal accumulation and its influential factors were studied in the different land use soils, which would provide a theoretical basis for controlling the content of heavy metals in soils. To identify the effects of land use on the accumulation of heavy metals in soils, 148 soil samples were collected from four land use patterns including greenhouse field, uncovered vegetable field, maize field, and forest field in Siping area of Jilin Province, China, and Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, and Zn contents of those samples were determined with ICP and ICP-Mass. The result showed that there was a rather large difference in effects of the accumulation of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Zn in soils under different land use patterns, except Pb. Based on the assessment which compared with background concentrations in soil, the higher accumulation of heavy metals was found in greenhouse and uncovered vegetable field, much less in maize field and forest field. The mean contents of heavy metals in soils from high to low were arranged in order of greenhouse field, uncovered vegetable field, maize field, and forest field. Cd and Cu had relatively serious accumulation in soils compared to Cr, Ni, As, and Zn. The mean content of Cd in greenhouse field was 0.467 mg kg −1, which exceeded the grade II of the Chinese Soil Quality Criterion GB15618-1995 (6.5 < pH < 7.5) for Cd standard of 0.3 mg kg −1, while it was 5.2 times of Cd standard in the forest fields. The mean contents of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Pb, and Zn in soils under four land use patterns were lower than the grade II of the Chinese Soil Quality Criterion. Compared with the soil cultivated years, the agricultural chemical compounds and manures application, especially the quality and quantity of applied fertilizer was one of the main reasons for leading to different accumulation of heavy metals in soils under the studied land use patterns. The accumulation of heavy metals, such as Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Zn in soils was significantly affected by land use patterns, among them the accumulation of heavy metals in greenhouse soils was higher than others. It is suggested that the application of chemical fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and pesticides with high contents of heavy metals should be avoided to prevent the accumulation of heavy metal and keep high quality soils for sustainable use.

Heavy Metal Accumulation in Soil Amended with Roadside Pond Sediment and Uptake by Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The effect of addition of roadside pond sediments on heavy metal contents of flooded rice paddies was studied to investigate the yield of rice and uptake of heavy metal by rice straw and grain. Sequential extraction of heavy metals on sediments shows that the percentage contribution of metals in the labile fraction follows the order lead (Pb, 48%) > copper (Cu, 42%) > zinc (Zn, 31%) > cadmium (Cd, 16%) > chromium (Cr, 9%) > nickel (Ni, 6%). The risk assessment code (RAC) for pond sediment revealed that Cr and Ni were found in the low-risk zone, Zn and Cd in the medium-risk zone, and Cu and Pb in the high-risk zone. However, though the heavy metal concentration in rice grain does not exceed the range acceptable for human consumption, it still represents a significant additional source of heavy metals in the diet. The addition of pond sediment significantly increased the rice yield over control. Therefore, pond sediment would be a valuable resource for agriculture if it is properly used.

Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seedlings Grown in Soils Amended with Electroplating Industrial Sludge

A glasshouse study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of lime-treated (0, 0.5, and 1%) industrial sludge amendments (10 and 20%) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedling growth and heavy metal accumulation in soils as well as in wheat seedlings. Industrial sludge–amended soil samples were filled in earthen pots (2 kg pot−1) one week before planting and 7-day-old seedlings were transplanted in pots (3/pot) and were kept in a glasshouse. Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable metals and metals in seedlings increase with increasing doses of industrial sludge. Biomass and growth have been found to increase with increasing rates of sludge. It also enhanced heavy metal concentrations in wheat seedlings and followed the trend zinc (Zn) > lead (Pb) > copper (Cu) > cadmium (Cd). Lime enhanced the biomass and reduced the heavy metal concentrations in wheat seedlings. Although 20% treatments in both soils showed a significant enhancement in shoot length, metals like Pb reached beyond permissible limits.

Comparative assessment of baseline concentration of the heavy metals in the soils of Tehran (Iran) with the comprisable reference data

Industrial soil systems have become complex due to human activities, as they disturb the natural development of soil and add hazardous elements. Hence, there is a growing public concern over the accumulation of heavy metals in soil due to the rapid industrial development during the last decade in Iran. The objectives of the present study are to carry out comparative assessment of the heavy metals in soils of the Chitgar Industrial Area Tehran (Iran) with average world guidelines and to evaluate enrichment and normalized scatter coefficient. In this work the concentrations of seven heavy metals (Cr, Co, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn) from the surface soils of the industrial area were quantified, based on 210 samples collected from 70 sampling stations in three consecutive seasons May 2007, November 2007 and May 2008 using 0.5 × l Km square mesh. Common comparison methods were employed to assess the quality of soils and guideline values were used to represent a desired level of elements. Comparison variables and enrichment factor showed that Pb has high-level value while normalized scatter coefficient demonstrates that Cd increases in soils more rapidly as compared to other elements. This study revealed that normalized scatter coefficient can be effectively used to evaluate soil pollution and is independent of the past.

A risk-based decision tool for the management of organic waste in agriculture and farming activities (FARMERS)

Currently, specific management guidelines must be implemented for guaranteeing the safe reuse of organic waste in agriculture. With that aim, this work was focused on the development of a decision support tool for a safe and sustainable management of cattle manure as fertiliser in pastureland, to control and limit metal accumulation in soil and to reduce metal biotransfer from soil to other compartments. The system was developed on the basis of an environmental risk assessment multi-compartmental model. In contrast to other management tools, a long-term dynamic modelling approach was selected considering the persistence of metals in the environment. A detailed description of the underlying flow equations which accounts for distribution, human exposure and risk characterisation of metals in the assessed scenario was presented, as well as model parameterization. The tool was implemented in Visual C++ and is structured on a data base, where all required data is stored, the risk assessment model and a GIS module for the visualization of the scenario characteristics and the results obtained (risk indexes). The decision support system allows choosing among three estimation options, depending on the needs of the user, which provide information to both farmers and policy makers. The first option is useful for evaluating the adequacy of the current management practices of the different farms, and the remaining ones provides information on the measures that can be taken to carry out a fertilising plan without exceeding risk to human health. Among other results, maximum values of application rates of manure, maximum permissible metal content of manure and maximum application times in a particular scenario can be estimated by this system. To illustrate tool application, a real case study with data corresponding to different farms of a milk production cooperative was presented.

Effects of long-term irrigation with treated wastewater. Part II: Role of organic carbon on Cu, Pb and Cr behaviour

Abstract The long-term impact of irrigation on a Mediterranean sandy soil irrigated with treated wastewater (TWW) since 1980 was evaluated. The main soil properties (CEC, pH, size distribution, exchangeable cations and chloride, hydraulic conductivity) as well as the organic matter and Cu, Cr and Pb speciation in an irrigated soil and a non-irrigated control soil at various soil depths were monitored and compared during a 2 year experiment. In this second part, we focused on Cu, Cr and Pb behaviour in relation with soil organic carbon (SOC). Soil samples were collected every 3 months during 2 years at the depths 0–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm and were analysed for exchangeable and total metals, organic carbon content, metal sequential extraction and humic substances – Humic Acids (HA), Fulvic Acids (FA) and Non-Humified Fraction (NHF). Long-term irrigation with a domestic treated wastewater (TWW) may be considered safe with regard to trace metal accumulation in soil. Irrigation lowered the HA and NHF fractions of SOC and made the FA fraction more mobile. Cu bound preferentially to the SOC fraction, Cr was found mainly in the reducible fraction and Pb was bound to all fractions indiscriminately. Cu exhibited a high affinity for the HA fraction, while Pb and Cr had a high affinity for the FA fraction, which indicates a greater mobility of the organically-bound Pb and Cr than of the organically-bound Cu. Evaluation of the potential metal mobility has to take into account not only the usual speciation between labile, reducible and oxidisable fractions, but also the nature of the SOC responsible for the oxidisable fraction.

Heavy metals, occurrence and toxicity for plants: a review

Metal contamination issues are becoming increasingly common in India and elsewhere, with many documented cases of metal toxicity in mining industries, foundries, smelters, coal-burning power plants and agriculture. Heavy metals, such as cadmium, copper, lead, chromium and mercury are major environmental pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. Heavy metal accumulation in soils is of concern in agricultural production due to the adverse effects on food safety and marketability, crop growth due to phytotoxicity, and environmental health of soil organisms. The influence of plants and their metabolic activities affects the geological and biological redistribution of heavy metals through pollution of the air, water and soil. This article details the range of heavy metals, their occurrence and toxicity for plants. Metal toxicity has high impact and relevance to plants and consequently it affects the ecosystem, where the plants form an integral component. Plants growing in metal-polluted sites exhibit altered metabolism, growth reduction, lower biomass production and metal accumulation. Various physiological and biochemical processes in plants are affected by metals. The contemporary investigations into toxicity and tolerance in metal-stressed plants are prompted by the growing metal pollution in the environment. A few metals, including copper, manganese, cobalt, zinc and chromium are, however, essential to plant metabolism in trace amounts. It is only when metals are present in bioavailable forms and at excessive levels, they have the potential to become toxic to plants. This review focuses mainly on zinc, cadmium, copper, mercury, chromium, lead, arsenic, cobalt, nickel, manganese and iron.

Uptake of metals by food plants grown on soils 10 years after biosolids application

Potentially hazardous trace elements such as Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni and Zn are expected to accumulate in biosolids–amended soil and remain in the soil for a long period of time. In this research, uptake of metals by food plants including cabbage, carrot, lettuce and tomato grown on soils 10 years after biosolids application was studied. All the five metals were significantly accumulated in the biosolids-amended soils. The accumulation of metal in soil did not result in significant increase in concentrations of Cu, Cr and Ni in the edible plant tissues. However, the Cd and Zn concentrations of the edible tissues of plants harvested from the biosolids receiving soils were significantly enhanced in comparison with those of the unaffected soils. The plant uptake under Greenfield sandy loam soil was generally higher than those under the Domino clayey loam soil. The metal concentration of edible plant tissue exhibited increasing trends with respect to the concentrations of the ambulated metals. The extents of the increases were plant species dependent. The indigenous soil metals were absorbed by the plants in much higher rates than those of the biosolids–receiving soils. It appeared that the plant uptake of the indigenous soil-borne metal and the added biosolids-borne metals are independent of one another and mathematically are additive.

Phytoextractive potential among mustard (&lt;i&gt;Brassica juncea&lt;/i&gt;) genotypes in Sri Lanka

Heavy metal pollution in soil and water is a global environmental concern. In Sri Lanka, accumulation of heavy metals in soil, water and plant/animal biomass has been widely reported. Phytoremediation, the use of plants and their associated microbes, is an emerging, low-cost, environmental-friendly approach in the cleanup and prevention of environmental pollution. Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) has been widely used to extract toxic metals from contaminated soils worldwide. Sri Lanka has a genetically diverse mustard collection, but their phytoextarctive potentials are yet to be determined. Present study was conducted to evaluate variation in phytoextractive ability of soil-borne heavy metals by ten different mustard accessions. Heavy metal contents (Mn, Co, Pb and Zn) in 12-week-old mustard plants (whole plant) were estimated during Maha and Yala in 2007-2008 using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Heavy metal content in soils where the plants were grown was also assessed during the two seasons. Soil Mn and Co concentrations were significantly high in Maha than in Yala. Difference in heavy metal concentrations in mustard accessions between the two seasons was not significant. However, significantly high concentrations of Mn were found in accessions 7788, 515 and 8831 (236, 225, 220x102 μg/g). Cobolt (Co) was significantly high in accession 5088 (238x102 μg/g). Lead (Pb) concentrations were significantly high in accessions 8831 (156x102 μg/g) and 5088 (148x102 μg/g) and Zn was significantly high in accession 501 (6413x102 μg/g). The study suggests that screening the entire mustard germplasm in Sri Lanka is worthwhile to identify potential heavy metal accumulators. Key words: heavy metal hyperaccumulation; phytoremediation DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i2.1862 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (2): 85-93, 2009