ASSESSMENT OF BIOCONCENTRATION FACTOR FOR SELECTED HEAVY METALS IN Talinum triangulare (WATER LEAF) GROWN IN THE VICINITY OF AUTOMOBILE WORKSHOP IN OLUKU, BENIN CITY

Sensitive vegetables grown in heavy metals polluted soils tend to accumulate which are harmful the human body even at low concentrations. In this study, bioconcentration factor (Transfer Factor) was used assess accumulation of some Talinum triangulare vicinity an automobile workshop Oluku, Benin City. Physical and chemical parameters found affect interactions mobility soil mass were also examined. A pH 6.17±0.2 obtained for topsoil while middle bottom samples 5.93±0.4 6.00±0.1 respectively, The values CEC top, middle, 5.58±0.54, 4.56±0.11, 3.65±0.14 meq/100g respectively. Soil randomly collected from three depths 0-10 cm, 10-20 20-30 cm with aid a auger; T. within sampling locations. concentrations metal evaluated through use atomic absorption spectrophotometer after subjected tri-acid digestion techniques. Particle size analysis showed that is sandy loam texture. High Transfer ascertained but none greater than one. Therefore cannot be considered hyperaccumulator investigated study. However, all highly significant (p<0.05), higher permissible limits recommended by FAO/WHO/EC/CODEX. Consumption harvested workshops should discouraged avoid public health hazards.