Distribution of Heavy Metals in Leaves, Stems and Roots of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfeiria occidentalis)

The distribution of heavy metals in leaves, stems and roots of fluted pumpkin (Telfeiria ocidentalis) was evaluated using chemical analysis. The results show the following sequence Fe (3.14 μg/g) > Cu (0.88 μg/g) > Mn (0.40μg/g) > Pb (0.13μg/g) > Cr (0.08 μg/g) > Zn (0.04μg/g) in the leaves and Cu (1.52 μg/g) > Fe (1.12 μg/g) > Mn (0.20 μg/g) > Zn (0.08 μg/g) > Pb (0.04 μg/g) in the stem with Fe (1.67 μg/g) > Cu (0.53μg/g) > Mn (0.25 μg/g) > Zn (0.09 μg/g) > Pb (0.03μg/g) in the roots. The results also showed that the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Pb and Cr were highest in the leaves, Cu concentration was highest in the stems while that of Zn was highest in the roots. It was also revealed that Fe concentrations was the highest at all the locations in the leaves and roots. While Cu had the highest concentration in the stems.