Assessment of trace metals composition of vegetable <i>Amaranthus spinosus</i> (Linn species) grown along urban motorways using TXRF technique

Abstract

Vegetables of Amaranthus Spinosus Linn species, commonly grown along urban motorways, were sampled in three different locations along motorways in Ile Ife, Nigeria. The washed and unwashed leaves, stems and roots portions of the vegetable samples as well as the soil samples from each site were separated for independent analysis. All samples were digested using analytical grade acids and subsequently analysed using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) technique. Elements identified mainly in the samples are K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr and Pb. Enrichment factors and soil-to-plant transfer ratios (TR_s-p) of the metals for each vegetable sample were determined. The enrichment factors reveal that anthropogenic contributions increased the levels of some elements: Cr, Mn, Br, Sr and Pb, in the vegetable samples.

Key Words: TXRF, Amaranthus Spinosus Linn, soil-to-plant transfer ratio, toxicity, enrichment factor

Ife Journal of Science Vol.6(1) 2004: 45-49