Assessment of industrial effluents for heavy metals concentration and evaluation of grass (Phalaris minor) as a pollution indicator

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of industrial activities on heavy metals status in wastewater, sludge and flora bank selected main drains Hayatabad Industrial estate, Peshawar. Plants, wastewater samples sites were collected analyzed for distribution; cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) zinc (Zn) levels. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) values calculated plants (Phalaris minor) grass species found naturally at all sites. The results showed that levels lower than permissible limits except Cd concentration within when compared their respective standards. Metal distribution following order; > varied according distance from source with no specific pattern. Sludge a high as samples. In samples, Zn highest low Metals accumulation order of; roots shoot. Pearson's coefficient correlation Cr plant shoots significantly while Pb significant negative sludge. BCF Cr, >1, showing phytoremediation potential plants.