Metal transfer ratio of leucocaena leucocephala: An experimental study using the soils of industrial areas of Korangi and Landhi, Karachi

ABSTRACT

The metal transfer ratio of Leucaena leucocephala in an experimental study using the soils of industrial areas was conducted. The soils were collected from Khan Towel, Tanveer Garment, One Tech Rubber and One Tech Ply Board Factories in the vicinity of Korangi and Landhi industrial areas and experimented in greenhouse under natural environmental conditions. Another soil sample was collected from a control area [Karachi University]. The plant L. leucocephala was grown in 50% above mentioned soils [respective area, including control] which mixed with 50% garden soil [one part manure + two parts fine sand in each soil type]. The level of Fe was highest in plants grown in soil of One Tech Rubber Factory [66.427 micro g-g] while, the lowest level was detected in One Tech Ply Board Factory [28.273 micro g-g]. Similarly, the level of Cu was significantly higher in plants of One Tech Rubber Factory soil [0.211 micro g-g] followed by Tanveer Garment Factory soil [0.120 micro g-g]. Significantly [p< 0.05] higher levels of Zn was found in plants of L. leucocephala grown in soil of control area [Karachi University] [0.177 micro g-g] followed by One Tech Ply Board [0.167 micro g-g] and One Tech Rubber [0.152 micro g-g] Factories. On the other hand, the level of Cr was significantly [p< 0.05] higher in One Tech Ply Board Factory [0.015 micro g-g] as compared to control [Karachi University] and other factories. The research demonstrated that the levels of different metals [Fe, Cu, Zn and Cr] were mostly higher in plants of L. leucocephala which were grown in soil of industrial areas than control. This showed that the soil of the industrial areas of Korangi and Landhi, particularly of One Tech Rubber and One Tech Ply Board Factories are contaminated by the existing pollution in the area