Heavy Metals Accumulation and Phytoremediation Ability of Onion (Allium cepa) and Garlic (Allium sativum) Grown on Contaminated Soils from Challawa Industrial Estate, Kano, Nigeria

This work was designed to assess and compare the heavy metals accumulation phytoremediation ability of some allium species (Garlic; Allium sativum Onion; cepa) grown on two different soils (contaminated Control soils) using standard methods. Heavy (of Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) Concentrations (mg/Kg) were determined atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS Model: 210VGP). Plants growth biomass production assessed. Biological concentration factors (BCF) translocation (TF) calculated. The mean levels elements obtained ranged widely from 0.55 mg/Kg Ni 1830.64 Fe. results showed that onion accumulated higher concentrations all compared garlic with exception Zn. However, differences in metal where significant only Cr Mn. Phytoremediation efficiency indices (BCF TF) a similar trend for both garlic. BCF values Zn, Mn Fe generally high > 1. Pb had their TF greater than Thus, can be used as potential phytoextraction plant. similarities most these trends, between might due being physiological features same family.